South Africa route
V Australia has just been grated access to the Australia–South Africa route by the government due to the lack of competition and high fares currently in operation.The Virgin Group carrier has been given immediate access and a total capacity of five weekly services between Sydney and Johannesburg using B777–300ER aircraft with a capacity of 361 seats.
“We have no plans at this stage,” said Mr Godfrey. “We have an ability to run by October 2009... [But] there are other routes.”
V Australia will see delivery of five B777-300 ERs, with three to be delivered by Christmas, one in April 2009 and one in October 2009.
The three due by Christmas have been earmarked for the already announced North American services.
April’s new craft will be to a third, as of yet unannounced destination. Currently it is highly unlikely that this will be the South African service, with Mr Godfrey saying it is “probably not a reality”.
This leaves the October B777 left on the table, and indications are good that V Australia will start South African services with the craft.
(e-travel Blackboard)