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View Full Version : Virgin Atlantic announce HKG-SYD from December 8


sinala1
21st Jun 2004, 11:11
Recieved this today:

Virgin to launch Sydney-HK-London flights

Virgin Atlantic Airways will launch daily scheduled services between Sydney and London via Hong Kong from December 8.

In a release to media, Virgin chairman Richard Branson said Sydney would be the 23rd destination for the airline, with the announcement coming just one day before the 20th anniversary of the carrier’s first flight.

“Australia is a country that everyone at Virgin has been hoping to fly to since the early days and the news that our ambitions have become a reality will really add to our celebrations,” he said.

“Virgin Atlantic’s new services on the kangaroo route will be good news for consumers in Australia, Hong Kong and the UK, as it will mean that much needed competition and choice is brought to these markets.”

The announcement was also welcomed by federal tourism minister Joe Hockey.

“Today’s announcement by Virgin Atlantic Airways coincides perfectly with the launch by the Australian government of the new brand Australia campaign, which is designed to entice more visitors to experience the unique offerings of this country,” he said.

“There could not be a better time for such a high-profile airline to commence services to Australia.”

Virgin plans to utilise A340-600 aircraft, departing Sydney at 4.15pm, arriving in Hong Kong at 10.05pm and London Heathrow at 4.50am the following day.

For travellers to Australia, flight VS200 will depart London's Heathrow Airport daily at 9.30pm, arriving in Hong Kong at 5.50pm the following day. The aircraft will then depart Hong Kong at 7.20, arriving in Sydney at 7.10am the following day.

All services will be operated with a configuration of 45 Upper Class suites, 28 premium economy, and 233 economy seats.

Each flight will feature Virgin Atlantic’s new Upper Class suite as well as the V:port inflight entertainment system which provides a choice of 50 movies plus 300 hours of video and audio entertainment on individual screens at every seat in all classes.

Details of Virgin Atlantic’s introductory promotional offers will be announced later this year, and tickets will go on sale for the new services at the same time.

In addition to the Sydney route, Virgin Atlantic has also recently announced it is due to launch services on a number of other new routes, including Cuba and the Bahamas and an increase in services to the US, Caribbean, Asia and the Far East.

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Good news for DJ crew staff travel! woohoo

jerrystinger
21st Jun 2004, 20:21
If it all goes ahead, VS will pose some serious competition to the 'established LHR-SYD' carriers, not least because of the ultra modern A340-600. I travelled on the A346 and was amazed at the entertainment system, even in economy......being able to select when you are ready for a movie to start or repeat, rewind, pause (loo or trip to the galley break), the mere choice of programmes (50+) the selection of games, the text messaging to the ground service or sending a message to a friend (or someone you fancy!) a few rows in front or challenge someone to take part in a game...amazing experience, even when 'down the back'.

Carnage Matey!
21st Jun 2004, 22:11
as it will mean that much needed competition and choice is brought to these markets

Can't beat a bit of Branson hype! I think I read in the press on Saturday that there are about twenty airlines operating either a one or two stop service from the UK to Australia with fares as low as £500. Much needed competition?

I presume if this service is being announced he's managed to overcome the small problem of the deal he struck with the HK authorities being illegal under EU law? He has announced this once before after all!

Ya Zi
21st Jun 2004, 22:40
If the EU snag has been overcome, he may be faced with some more competition. From a HK carrier that isn't Cathay Pacific!