[stuartfaz]

from Virgin Blue > News and Press Releases

Monday 28 July 2008: Virgin Blue Airlines today announced it will commence flying between Melbourne and Auckland with daily return services starting from 22 September, 2008.*

The new trans-Tasman flights will be operated by Virgin Blue’s international subsidiary Pacific Blue using 180-seat, Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Seats on the new trans-Tasman service go on sale from 11.00am (AEST) today with special one-way launch fares of NZ$179* from Auckland to Melbourne and AU$199* from Melbourne to Auckland (including taxes, fees and charges).

The launch fares for travel between 22 September and 13 December, 2008 are on sale until midnight 31 July or until sold out, and are available via the airline’s web site (www.virginblue.com.au).

Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey said the expansion was a logical next step for the airline group following the compelling success of Pacific Blue.

“We have been considering this route for some time, as we’re always interested in markets that are under-served,” Mr Godfrey said.

“It makes sense to us and we’re confident air travellers will feel the same way. We plan to offer tremendous value on both sides of the Tasman which has got to be good for travellers and also for visitor numbers to Melbourne and Auckland at either end of the route”, he said.

Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said the announcement was another win for Victoria.

“The important role direct international air services provide to Melbourne and Victoria can’t be understated.

“New Zealand is our largest market, more than double the UK (450,000). According to the latest passenger card data there are over 900,000 passenger movements to/from New Zealand per year, an increase of 5% from the previous year, and an average annual growth rate of 7% since 2004.

“This announcement will see even stronger growth in this market into the future", Mr Woodruff finished.

Virgin Blue’s everyday low fares between Melbourne and Auckland will start from $279 one way on the internet (inclusive of taxes, fees and surcharges), more than 30% cheaper than competitor fares^.

Flights are subject to regulatory approvals. All fares are one-way for flights booked on the internet, $15 more by phone. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights or during peak periods. On sale 11am 28 July, 2008 to 31 July 2008 or until sold out for travel from 22 September, 2008 to 13 December, 2008.

^ Correct as at 27 July 2008.

Schedule

DJ 164 dep MEL 9.15am arr AKL 2.35pm
DJ 165 dep AKL 6.30am arr MEL 8.30am

[docjames]

Clearly they're going at leisure with those timings, also they dont connect well with AKL-LAX flights either.

Also, is that correct 180 seat 737-800 - i thought it was more like 150 seats in those. If 180, what's the pitch in Econ?

[MelUser]

Isn't that a good connection with QF25 onto LAX? - leaves about 6pmish.

Does anyone know if DJ would check bags through to USA (whether travelling on QF or the AA code share)? [If not there seems to be time to clear NZ immigration, collect bags, clear NZ customs and then find the departure area and re-check].

Also, does anyone know what DJs excess baggage charges will be?

EG if I check in 2 x 30kg cases what will DJ in Melbourne charge me for excess on the MEL to AKL segment?

[MelUser]

If anything, it's a pity the morning flight back to Melbourne isn't later to connect with incoming flights from LAX-AKL.

[dajop]

Tell me, why on earth would DJ time their flights or through connect luggage to connect to their No 1. competitor, especially when they're starting up flights to the US themselves? Absolutely no way they will be interlining baggage with QF, and don't think NZ have taken too kindly to their annoying intrusion into the NZ domestic market.

It seems to me the MEL-AKL flight is cleverly timed to hit the midpoint between the EK flight (7:15am - a quite early departure) and QF flights (10:55am - quite late), and also timed late enough to allow connections from CBR, LST, HBA & ADL (although they don't seem to be selling these connections). It is consistent with timings of MEL-CHC & MEL-WLG am flights, which aren't reflected in the AKL market due to the LAX connections on both NZ & QF.

[brissyflyer]

Originally Posted by docjames

Clearly they're going at leisure with those timings, also they dont connect well with AKL-LAX flights either.

Also, is that correct 180 seat 737-800 - i thought it was more like 150 seats in those. If 180, what's the pitch in Econ?

180 seats is correct for the 737-800. And the seat pitch on Pacific Blue is quite good. I have flown on the Pac Blue planes a few times and the pitch would have been around 34 inch, plenty of space.

[pauly7]

Originally Posted by brissyflyer

180 seats is correct for the 737-800. And the seat pitch on Pacific Blue is quite good. I have flown on the Pac Blue planes a few times and the pitch would have been around 34 inch, plenty of space.

Are you joking? 34"? DJ?

Sometimes hard to to tell on this forum!!

Maybe you are confused with DJ Premium Y which averages 34, normal economy is about 31. Or perhaps you were in an exit row and didn't realise :-)

[docjames]

My bad - the QF ones are 12J/156Y = 168 seats so 180 in all Y makes sense.

Flying with Us - In the Air - Seat Maps - Boeing 737-838

[dajop]

Originally Posted by pauly7

Are you joking? 34"? DJ?

Sometimes hard to to tell on this forum!!

Maybe you are confused with DJ Premium Y which averages 34, normal economy is about 31. Or perhaps you were in an exit row and didn't realise :-)

I am not sure whether this is updated to account for Y+ seating, but there is a thread comprehensively discussing Virgin Blue seat pitch (Seat Diagrams side-by-side). Definitely no 34" seat pitch, but some seats with more generous than the stock standard 31" pitch.

[brissyflyer]

Originally Posted by pauly7

Are you joking? 34"? DJ?

Sometimes hard to to tell on this forum!!

I'm not joking, Also according to the Seating information on the DJ website the pitch on a 737-800 is 31-33 for standard seats on domestic aircraft. And no I was not in an exit row.

On the -700 the pitch can be a bit crappy with only 30-31.