Virgin challenges Qantas on US route - smh.com.au story
From smh.com.au; this would suggest they've got equipment lined up?
Virgin challenges Qantas on US route
Jason Koutsoukis
September 24, 2006
AIR fares to the US may be slashed, with discount airline Virgin Blue expected to announce plans within the next two months to fly across the Pacific.
The airline's executives are finalising details that would lead to it competing head-to-head with Qantas on one of its most profitable routes.
Qantas has a virtual monopoly on the busy trans-Pacific route, carrying about 75 per cent of passengers. Its only competitor is the US-based United Airlines. Virgin Blue is currently negotiating with the Federal Government to get greater access to the US.
The airline's chief executive Brett Godfrey wants a minimum seven flights to the US, which the airline believes it would need to compete effectively with Qantas and United.
Virgin Blue is controlled by transport giant Toll Holdings. The company's founder, Sir Richard Branson, owns a 25 per cent stake through his Virgin Group. "The package is not yet finalised," a senior Virgin Blue source said.
Source: The Sun-Herald