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

Interesting
 

That's what Ansett did isn;t it???

Well Ok. I'll start the ball rolling...

What type would they operate? And would the big "sir" have much say in the it???
Oh.. and is it going to be a seperate operation?

Go to it lads:eek:

cut price to usa
 

the angst amongst certain individuals when it comes to qf and the so called wholly grail (pacific route) amazes me.the empire was founded on the kangaroo route which currently is just about an open skies policy.yes the red rat protects itself well when it comes to the pacific,but exactly what is the seat per kilometer break even point ?
with all the backstabbing and b"#$ching with regards to jstar,virgin,auz airline pay awards i guess the queue will once again be long to sign up for vb pacific crewing requirements .
i at least hope that they look at 777 or 787 because we all eagerly await the big bus

It wasn't so long ago that the holy grail was the Japanese route.
Now look at it!
Reducing market....JAL withdrawing...
Competiton is necessary, let's just hope for the VB guys and girls that BG gets it right!

Anyone know what equipment Virgin plan to operate on the transPacific route?

The word is A340's.

...and the million dollar question -

Who is going to crew it? :E

Virgin Atlantic initially then our close bros Pacific Blue!!!:mad: Watch this space.:ok:

B777 is my guess - a far more efficient aircraft. Just look how well the A340 is selling!

As for Pacific Blue getting the flying - would depend to the VB EBA outcome I would think, though pilot moral would certainly nosedive if the flying went elsewhere.:suspect:

CAPTBOB

I don't think you are quite correct there............Ansett flew SYD-HKG which was/is a significant route for Qantas. They also both serviced Taipei and Kansai.

I say it's about time, I hope it happens.

Seven frequencies? So, I think this means VB wants to start with a daily service between SYD and LAX. They can use handmedown A340-300s or 747-400s from Virgin Atlantic, or perhaps 777-300ERs or 777-200LRs white tails (from Emirates?).

VB might feel they owe a bit to their home town - BNE - and if they want to serve MEL, that would be better if it could be a non stop, which would affect choice of fleet.

If they fly to LAX they will be using the US West Coast's least popular gateway (you use that airport because you have to,) SFO would be nicer except on foggy days

So, if VB gets seven weekly frequencies, and that is the limit, they may find themselves reaching the limit very quickly.

Other point - United is not a minor competitor, and should not be written off. Every Southern Summer recently, UAL has added three weekly flights on SYDLAX and SYDSFO, making 10 services per week on each route. UAL has recently expanded its flights on the North Pacific - if UAL thought it could make money from running a second daily SYDLAX service year round it would find the planes somewhere.

IF UAL gets its act together it will be very strong competition for both Qantas and Virgin Blue

Very interesting proposal indeed!
VB would be very optimistic if it threw 744's on the pacific. That is very serious capacity! However it all depends on the what entitlements they get. They have stated they want frequency in the way of at least seven services per week. Something smaller in capacity then....but what? Discount the A340....777 blows it's economic backside out of the water, even Airbus acknowledges that. However it would be cheap to lease/buy and the chances of getting 777's in the short term are slim.
Then of course is UA. After it restructures and can see a buck to be made, it will go for it!
Like I said I hope BG get's the formula right!

How could/would this work? Wet/damp lease? A340 type-rated guys from VS, who have the right to live and work in Australia (ie Australian passport), seconded to VB/PB to fly VH registered aircraft?
:{

Anyone know how soon they plan on starting ops?

Aussie

Interesting that this announcement does not seem to have affected the QF share price. Maybe the drop in oil prices is seen to be a much bigger offset?

The announcement has not really been made yet - when they announce routes/aircraft type/frequencies etc, maybe then it will have more impact? :confused:

I tend to think the US airlines like UA are a bit constrained at present through there CH11 machinations and getting furloughed pilots back online...plus I think they are focused on China (Beijing) and other high yield routes.

yes, please.

been costing more to get to LA than London lately.