APNG / Virgin Blue Alliance
 

Very interesting. Should cause some worries on the hill!
Article from today's Post Courier.
Virgin Blue coming
VIRGIN Blue is coming to Papua New Guinea.
Other overseas airline operators like Sky World have been encouraged to come and operate in the commercially to help PNG with competitive prices domestically and internationally.
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Don Polye made the announcement in an interview with the Post-Courier late yesterday afternoon.
Mr Polye was asked to confirm speculations that two major international airlines were due in the country to compete with PNG’s flag carrier Air Niugini.
He confirmed that Virgin Blue and Airlines PNG were going into a partnership arrangement or joint venture and that an official notice has been given to both airlines especially Virgin Blue to “come into PNG airspace”.
From humble beginnings, launching as the first sustainable low fare airline in Australia, Virgin Blue has grown to be recognised the as an innovator and leader in the global aviation industry.
Since its launch on August 31, 2000, Virgin Blue has evolved from a start-up entrepreneurial business to become what it calls Australia’s leading airline for service, on-time performance and value for money, as well as being one of the world’s most profitable airline groups incorporating Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue (Aust), Pacific Blue (NZ), Polynesian Blue and V Australia. “Virgin Blue comes in partnership with Airlines PNG to operate domestic and internationally in most probably two months time as they still have to negotiate landing fees and charges … it really depends on their partnership arrangements, but I encourage operators to come and fly in our country and I am telling them to come into PNG and operate in our airspace, I am telling them PNG is a good country to do business,” Mr Polye said yesterday.
“I’ll be happy to expand the market and all for the interest of tourism in the country.
“They (Virgin Blue) have made an application already and the application is with our Civil Aviation Authority to make sure they follow procedures and comply with the due process. They will then be given an air operating certificate … as soon as we approve the applications they can then come in and operate fully.
“THE Government has agreed to allow other overseas airlines to come in partnership with other airlines in the country to provide competitive airfare prices. The Government is encouraging other airlines to come and do businesses in our country, especially commercial operators, facilitated by making our airspace open already. The Government will be looking at other public private partnership.
“We believe that transport is the key to development in this country. The introduction of these commercial operators from outside will really boost our tourism industry and it will be really good for our tourism industry. It has always been my interest to bring in another competitor into PNG airspace. I am looking out and have written to various airlines as well to come and operate whether as a joint venture, like Air Niugini does with Qantas Airlines. Others like Airlines PNG in partnership with Virgin Blue and so forth. Our officers have been engaged in talks with other airlines, and we encourage them to come on board and operate in our airspace. They will have to comply with our Civil Aviation Authority’s normal procedures but yes, once all procedures and negotiations are complete then we can start to see Virgin Blue operate in our country.

Strange,

Whats happening to APNG quest to purchase more Dash 8's & even a 737????

More seats required when the "Highland Slave Labour 08" fruit picker thing gets into full swing.

Hmmm.... wonder if an old 732 would work "side saddle" ?

Methinks Virgin wouldn't be happy about this PNG Minister shooting his mouth off. By the looks of it, any deal is far from done, and there's nothing worse than letting your competitors know in advance what you're working on!!

APNG / Virgin Blue Alliance
 

Hardly a secret. This was hinted at in 2006 and was even in the PNG Gossip newsletter a month ago as well as in 2006
Papua New Guinea Gossip Newsletter - 26 Jul 2008

Interesting that the current GM of APNG left Polynesian AL (as CEO) in part because of his objection to Virgin muscling in on Poly.

Me thinks this announcement might be inaccurate & premature and an attempt to convince ICAO, who are coming to PNG soon to do an audit, that things are safe up there.

No announcement from APNG at all......

Me thinks that if anything happens it will just be international flights to and from POM, with a extra quick turnaround :} I hope to be proven wrong.

Doubt we'll be seeing a 737 or Jungle Jet going somewhere like Hagen via the Waghi anytime soon :E

The real reason is for the pom/ndz paper run then fruit and vegies from goroka and finally hagen via the nebula after round of golf in mendi.

Good Luck!

Hohoho!

Would you let some of those characters up there near a virgin? hohoho!:=:hmm:

Further article from today's PC which gives some clarity and confirms discussions between CG and DJ.
Airlines PNG still talking to Virgin
AIRLINES PNG Limited has advised its shareholders that it has not concluded its agreement with Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd in regards to joint venture arrangements.
The Port Moresby Stock Exchange listed company said in a statement yesterday that shareholders would be advised if and when an agreement was reached and any details relating to such arrangements.
“Airlines of Papua New Guinea Limited has become aware that press announcements have been made by third parties that Airlines PNG and Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd have reached an agreement regarding joint operating arrangements.
“Shareholders are informed that whilst it is correct that Airlines PNG and Virgin Blue are in discussions, no concluded agreement has been reached with Virgin Blue regarding joint venture arrangements,” Airlines PNG said in a statement yesterday.
Virgin Blue public affairs general manager Heather Jeffery said: “It is the case that Virgin Blue is exploring options to expand our operations in this part of the world, including Papua New Guinea either in our own right or in conjunction with partners. We have recently had preliminary discussions with the PNG Government and we are encouraged.
“We have also had discussions with Airlines of PNG.
“When the discussions are satisfactorily concluded we will be in a position to make a further comment. Our current network includes flights to 23 towns and cities within Australia and through our subsidiary airline Pacific Blue we operate international flights to New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and The Cook Islands. We also have our very successful airline called Polynesian Blue which is a joint venture with the Government of Samoa.”
Meanwhile, Airlines PNG has announced that the president of the Employers’ Federation of PNG John Jeffery, PNG Teachers Savings and Loan Society chief executive Michael Koisen and Pacific Nominees Limited managing director Paul McLaren have been appointed to the airline’s board of directors.
They will join Airlines PNG managing director John Fitzgerald, construction and hotels chief Kostas Constantinou and non-executive chairman Simon Wild. Mr Jeffery has been appointed chairman of the audit, risk and compliance committee while Mr Constantinou has been appointed chairman of the remuneration and appointments committee.

Seems like a maybe then. Bali, however, appears more certain.

WTF are you on about 320? Do you see Embraer anywhere in my post? If you're not referring to my post then I apologise.

Skystar, whats stopping them painting a few E jets in Pac Blue colours and operating them in their own right as they do now with 737s? I heared a rumour form a friend at DJ that they intend to operate those VH registered but in PAc blue colours 737s on some international sectors.

Skystar320

"No, DJ cannot operate the EMB's on ANY international route as they are not allowed.....
Transfer them to either polly blue, or pacific blue then U can"


Can you tell me why we can't operate an Embraer to wherever we want?

You seem to be quite EMPHATICAL that we are hamstrung in some way.

Yes the VirginBlue name has limitations Internationally but as far as what aircraft and who operate them and where they are registered there are few limitations.:=

SHARPIE

We won't be bringing too many silverbellies up there (not too sure they would be appreciated anyway!) and I have serious doubts on them living up to their "corporate name" so I think you would be disappointed :E:E:E

T.I.P.
 

It bothers me not whether we do or don't go.I just do what I'm told.

I'm not sure why your so adamant that the Embraer is going to POM but you must be a lot closer to the coal face than me.

I think you will find a VH registered aircraft, flown by VB pilots, painted in Pac Blu colors, and using a Pac Blu call sign will be able to fly to any spot on this planet.

I'm not trying to point score but don't shoot the mesenger.

I dont think the EJET will be doing any international ops. Interest has gone out to crew in BNE to do the wetlease ops on the 737 for PB. Initially the EJET crews weren't eligible and then that was overturned for fairness to all BNE crew.

Virgins going to PNG...Hoooray
 

:OPost Courier article recently indicated Virgin Blues intentions to introduce services between OZ and the Banana Republic.
Wonder if APNG is in with a code share deal:bored:

llrr

Think you will find the plan is to operate 738 on DJ (PB) metal, perhaps CG has suspended plans for acquisition of their own 733, and further that DJ has secured flying for IE as well, all orchestrated by CG in a brilliant move straight out of left field. Well done APNG. Go kick butt! :ok::ok::ok:

As you said 320, you've been wrong a few times now, especially where it concerns VB. Better stick to what you know, instead of digging that hole a bit deeper. No mention of Embraers, international or domestic in PNG. It'll be Big Island-POM in 73's, if/when it happens

Go look at the thread in the other dg forum.

As for POM as a destination I think it very possible! It fits within the flight time for a 737 to do a return and an additional 2 sectors.

If APNG is considering Virgin as a partner in its operations then that will confirm its true status as only being a Charter company with an RPT license incapable of developing its own.
I wouldnt be anticipating a 73 endorsement soon if I were:rolleyes:

Over to you Mr CEO

llrr

boeing mad,What's the theory on the "Command upgrade kill rate" what % are you talking.I would've thought with quality candidates (as all VB drivers are??) & sound,quality training,the failure rate would be minimal.

Boeing mad, maybe you can't read. It has been stated several times If/when the POM thing happens it will be in the 737. No crew problems or aircraft shortages there. In fact, more like an excess of both right now.

Mauswara, there has been a higher than anticipated failure for command, not huge, but high enough to be noticeable. And of course, that impacts the expansion in the fleet. The training bottlenecks don't help either.

... especially when all 73 Sims are jam-packed 24/7 in this region... you want a good hit rate, as the next session isn't straight away.

The Pacific Blue application to IASC
 

28 August 2008

Mr Michael Bird Executive Director International Air Services Commission POBox 630 Canberra ACT 2601 Via Fax: 02 62 67 1111
Dear~~
Application for Capacity Allocation -Papua New Guinea
Pacific Blue Airlines (Aust) proposes to commence services between Brisbane and Port Moresby with effect from November 2008. Pacific Blue will operate these services utilising 180 seat B737-800 aircraft.
Allocation Sought
Pacific Blue requests an allocation of 900 seats each way each week on the Papua New Guinea route on the following basis:
•
The capacity will be utilised by Pacific Blue Airlines (Aust)
•
The allocation is requested for a period of five years from the date of the Determination ofthe Commission.
•
The capacity will be utilised progressively. Four services will operate initially from 1 November 2008. A fifth service will commence before November 2009.
lAse Act and Policy Statement Considerations
We request that the Commission consider this application against the general criteria for assessing the benefit to the public in paragraph 4 of the Minister's Policy Statement.
The Paragraph 4 criteria provides that the use of entitlements by an Australian carrier under a bilateral air services agreement is of benefit to the public, provided that the carrier is reasonably capable of obtaining the necessary approvals and implementing the proposal.
We would be pleased to provide any further infonnation the Commission may require in support of this application.
Yours sincerely
~.
Tony Wheelens
~
Manager Government Relations
Paclflc Blue Airlines (Aust) Pty ltd ABN 79 007 892 389 P.O. Box 1034 Spring HIli Ql.D Australia 4004 Phone + 61 732953000 Fax +61 738394024.

Ad Astra.

You seem a wee bit touchy! Sad.

Me. Afraid I am not in PNG as I turned down that job and now reside in ' The Land Of Smiles' Thailand, along with a few other ex PNG residents. 3 76's and another due shortly. Interesting times. :):):):););)

Yeh Sharpie, Shouldn't let all the 'experts' bother me, everybody seems to 'know' what's going on in VB! :ugh:
Glad to hear that your still keeping busy.:ok:

SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Virgin Blue's international airline, Pacific Blue, and Airlines PNG said Monday they will commence code-share services between Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and Brisbane, Australia beginning from November this year.

Papua New Guinea's minister for culture and tourism, Charles Abel, said he expects the partnership to boost competition in PNG's airline sector, which has been dominated by Air Niugini, and drive down flight prices.

"My Ministry and the Tourism Promotion Authority of Papua New Guinea have worked hard in bringing genuine and independent competition to our airline sector to address one of the identified weaknesses in tourism infrastructure and in the country generally," he said.

Airlines PNG's chairman, Simon Wild, says the decision will help expand their international services and "will ensure that travellers to and from PNG benefit" from increased competition.

Virgin Blue will operate four return flights a week to Papua New Guinea, using Pacific Blue's fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Understand it is a pretty good cabin service on the current APNG flights, especially in J-class. No having to buy food/drinks etc.

How does the Virgin lesser standard (comparitively) of service rest with the APNG management? Won't please a lot of passengers.

Skystar 320 do you have any ideas on arrival of APNG 's own 733 which i believe will have winglets fitted.Do you know what routes it will operate now that DJ will do BNE-POM.

Thanks .

Well I guess that means the end of APNG operating their own 737s. It makes no sense now. Can't imagine the proposed 733 doing any Nadzab/Goroka/Hagen work as I expect the PCNs would be too low. Too bad for all the Dash drivers waiting to fly something a bit bigger.

V Australia letterhead
 

Note the amended application to the IASC was on V Australia letterhead not Virgin Blue nor Virgin Pacific!:hmm:

They can't use the Virgin name outside of Australia. So it has to be under the Pacific Blue or V Australia name.

The Man setting up APNG's 733, is to say, unpleasant. Even when in a good mood. Good luck, you are going to need it.

How did the first pacific blue/apng flight go. Can anyone enlighten us. It seems that apng are not even thinking of getting their own 737.

G'day Gents,
PacBlue's flights with APNG are going well, a bit empty most time but still going. The question now is how long are the Blues are going to keep this up before they cut ties and leave? The B733 for APNG is been shelved as one famous man in APNG said, "I am not getting into the cage with to gorillas" ie PX and DJ, me personally Im hoping that one day the Blues brothers will realized that they are loosing money on this BNE-POM run and leave, a chance for APNG to resume their plans for there B733 with winglets. The loyalty of the PNG people to PX is just amazing to watch, but if their a marketing crew that can break that it's gonna be the Blues crew so good luck to them :ok:

I believe the run is subsidised for DJ

G'day All,
I heard a rumour that PacBlue is passing some of their flights to VirginBlue in a wet lease sort of a deal out of BNE, eg BNE-POM, BNE-Villa. Does anyone knows if theirs any truth behind this one?:confused: