Destinations
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
What happens when an overdue break meets a short vacation? They run away together on a Breakation.
But what is a Breakation you say?
The team at Blue Holidays, the holiday partner of Virgin Australia, have essentially created the “new” short vacation, where your much needed break becomes a mini holiday!
Our point of difference is that fact that these holiday packages are individually tailored to the different people planning the trip. It’s not just couples who can have fun and reconnect — there are short break escapes for everybody, from the boys’ adventure to the girls’ getaway and the much-needed mini family holiday.
Exclusive Camilla Franks Sarong
With glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, fine food and wines, and range of activities, Hamilton Island is the perfect destination for our first offerings of short break escapes. They include return airfares, accommodation in the modern Palm Bungalows surrounded by lush tropical gardens, a range of activities, breakfast and more.
To celebrate the arrival of Virgin Australia’s Breakations to Hamilton Island, iconic Australian fashion designer Camilla Franks, has designed a limited edition sarong that is exclusive to the first 100 Virgin Australia guests who purchase a Hamilton Island Breakation from Blue Holidays, including airfares and accommodation.
The beautifully designed sarong combines Camilla’s signature style of brilliant colours, unique graphic prints and signature Swarovski crystals making it the perfect accessory for the luxurious surroundings of Hamilton Island (for more information about this very special offer visit our website).
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To help you plan your Breakation we’ve also designed a Facebook app that enables you to send a postcard that is personalised to your Facebook friends, inviting them to your next short break escape. Find out more at virg.co/breakation
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Does a Hamilton Island Breakation sound like something you will want to experience in 2012? Will it be with a loved one, a group of friends or your family?
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
We have today announced the opening of our first-ever Lounge at Mackay Airport as well as including extra weekday flights between the central Queensland city and Brisbane.
On sale today for travel from 5 March 2012, the new service will see us operating a total of 78 flights per week between Mackay and Brisbane, which is the greatest frequency offered by any airline on this route (we also operate a daily direct, return Sydney-Mackay service on our Embraer aircraft).
Complimentary Luke Mangan designed buffet
Our Group Executive of Product and Guest Services Martin Daley said: “Mackay is an extremely important market for Virgin Australia. Not only is it the gateway to some of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, it is also has a strong mining industry, which attracts corporate and government travellers.
“With the addition of the extra Mackay-Brisbane service, Virgin Australia now offers two more return daily services than any other airline on this route.
“We are also delighted to open our first ever lounge at Mackay Airport, which will enable us to provide a first-rate airport experience for business and leisure Guests. The space will offer distinct areas to relax, refuel and work, including business facilities, entertainment options and a Luke Mangan designed buffet.
The new 260 sq metre lounge, can accommodate up to 70 guests and features:
- Business facilities including spacious work stations, WiFi, PCs and fax / copy / printer;
- A private meeting room that seats up to eight;
- Panasonic high definition flat screen television featuring AUSTAR and free-to-air programming;
- Selection of magazine titles and daily newspapers;
- Self service tea and coffee stations; and
- A selection of beer and wine (from 11.00am daily).
Are you a frequent visitor to the central Queensland coast? Will you make use of our new Lounge?
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
We have today announced with our alliance partner Singapore Airlines, the first two milestones of our recently approved alliance: new international and domestic routes to Darwin and the launch of frequent flyer programme co-operation.
As part of a joint plan to increase services to northern Australia, Singapore Airlines’ regional full service airline, SilkAir will begin a four-times-weekly service between Singapore and Darwin from 26 March 2012, and Virgin Australia will complement these services with a daily service between Sydney and Darwin from 2 April 2012.
We have also confirmed that from 20 December this year, we will commence reciprocal frequent flyer recognition, enabling KrisFlyer members to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on Virgin Australia’s network and Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on Singapore Airlines operated flights. Reciprocal lounge access is also available for eligible customers.
Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Commercial and SilkAir Chairman, Mr Mak Swee Wah, said: “We are delighted to be adding Darwin to our network and providing more travel options for our customers as a result of our alliance with Virgin Australia. Our partnership enables us to better service this important market, particularly with the introduction of a strong business class product and extensive international connections.
Silk Air A320 (M Radzi Desa-airliners.net)
“The launch of reciprocal frequent flyer programme ties will also be particularly exciting news for our loyal customers. Our partnership with Virgin Australia will be delivering tangible benefits to customers, with more choice for domestic and international travel combined with seamless service.”
Virgin Australia Group Executive of Alliances, Network & Yield Management, Ms Merren McArthur said: “The alliance with Singapore Airlines enables us to open up important new routes in Australia and Asia and we have moved quickly to identify and realise this opportunity with our new partner”.
“Darwin is the gateway to the Northern Territory’s popular tourist destinations and is an increasingly important commercial hub. Together with Singapore Airlines we will be able to offer visitors from Singapore, Asia and Europe the opportunity to visit the Northern Territory and then travel onto Sydney and the East Coast of Australia. Our services will also be attractive to business travelers who now have the option of a quality business class service from Sydney to Darwin and on to Singapore and beyond.”
“From next week, Virgin Australia customers will be able to enjoy the first benefits of the alliance, with the ability to earn and burn frequent flyer points and status credits on Singapore Airlines’ network of destinations and access over 14 lounges around the world. We look forward to bringing our customers further exciting benefits as the alliance develops,”, Ms McArthur said.
We can also announce that we will open a lounge at Darwin Airport for our eligible Virgin Australia guests as well as those of its alliance partners.
We expect to commence codesharing on each other’s services from early 2012.
Do you have travel to Singapore planned in 2012? Will this new news change how you book your flights?
Monday, November 28th, 2011
An eagle-eyed Virgin Australia follower has picked up that the recent construction at the Gold Coast (OOL) Airport is for our new Lounge!
Announced earlier this year, the Lounge will join a list that includes the recently redesigned and renovated Melbourne and Brisbane Lounges, as well as Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra.
Designed by renowned architect Tim Greer of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the Lounge will be a key tool to providing an improved experience for those Guests visiting an important tourism destination such as the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast Lounge
The Lounge will be completed in 2012.
Are you excited by this addition to our Lounge network? Will you make good use of the Lounge?
Friday, October 28th, 2011
Research released today by Virgin Australia[1] shows that over the next few days, baggage carousels will be filled with up to 40,000 hats and over 55,000 lip glosses, which will be flown especially to Melbourne for The Cup and the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival.
With most believing that the Spring Racing Carnival is more about the social occasion, champagne and fashion (74%) than the racing (22%), it’s no wonder that getting their luggage there on time and intact is a top priority. Virgin Australia’s research revealed that the baggage carousels may be filled with an estimated $40 million worth of luggage this racing season.
Nikki Phillips flying with Virgin Australia to Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival
Virgin Australia Group Executive Corporate Communications, Danielle Keighery said the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival is a positive boost for the Australian economy and the tourism industry in general.
“The Victorian Spring Racing Carnival has developed a reputation as one of the most important events on the sporting calendar, attracting domestic and international visitors alike. Last year, the carnival generated $728 million[2] for the Australian economy, with a similar contribution expected this year”.
“We are committed to supporting the Australian tourism industry and will be putting on 36 additional flights into and out of Melbourne over the key racing period[3]. Virgin Australia is well-prepared to transport Australia’s latest fashion trends as 40,000 hats, 110,000 dresses and pairs of heels make their way through carousels across the country”, Ms Keighery said.
Virgin Australia’s top tips for packing for the Spring Racing Carnival:
* Check the dimensions of your hat box. If it exceeds the carry-on allowance, check it-in at least 30 minutes before your flight.
* Pack an extra pair of shoes. A day at the races carries the high risk of broken high heels, mud and sore feet.
* Prepare for all weather conditions. With the unpredictability of the Spring season, you never know when you might need a warm jacket or an umbrella.
Other findings from the survey included:
* For most women Melbourne Cup is an excuse to splash out on new clothes and accessories with 80% of women willing to purchase a new dress for the race
* The average amount Australian women are prepared to spend on new items to look their best at Melbourne Cup is $370 – and that’s even before they have placed a bet
* Dirty shoes (48%), broken heels (42%) and fashion faux pas (23%) at the top of peoples ‘stress list’ when it comes to attending the races, explaining the sheer volume of luggage that travels to Melbourne
* The must-have beauty items for the race include lip-gloss (51%) and concealer (36%)
[1] Galaxy Research conducted 6/10/11, with a sample of 1510 respondents aged 18-64 across Australia.
[2] Figures provided by Victorian Racing Club and based on National Gross Economic Benefit – the total amount generated by the MCC in Australia by all Australians and international visitors.
[3] Refers to 29 October to 5 November 2011.
To book flights with Virgin Australia, visit the website here
Thursday, July 28th, 2011
Today we have announced the first routes for our new ATR aircraft, under the regional alliance with Skywest (subject to regulatory approval).
From October 2011 we will commence new services from Brisbane to Gladstone (double daily service) and Brisbane to Port Macquarie (daily return service) plus add extra services between Canberra and Sydney, bringing the total number of flights between the two cities to 60 each week.
Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
Are you a fan of the AFL? A fan of the Gold Coast SUNS? A fan of travel? A fan of tropical Queensland?
If you are, why don’t you book a Blue Holidays package to join the Gold Coast SUNS on an AFL charter flight to travel with the players to beautiful Cairns for their match with the Richmond Tigers on July 16th.
Package price is $376 per person twin share and includes:
- Return airfares from Gold Coast to Cairns flying Virgin Australia
- 1 nights accommodation at the Mantra Trilogy Cairns
- Return airport & stadium transfers
- Upper Grand Stand Ticket
Package must be booked via the Blue Holidays Guest Contact Centre by calling 13 15 16.
AFL
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
Italians are a passionate bunch and it’s hard to put my finger on which one of their passions is the greatest. It’s not just the food, art and language or the fashion, architecture of football that has me hooked – it’s everything. Book your V Australia ticket to Milan and see for yourself what this cosmopolitan city means to you. Read more »
Monday, May 30th, 2011
Next up in our series of European cities you should see is Geneva, Switzerland. From the familiar (fondue and chocolate) to the unexpected (the vistas and family fun) this city is sure to impress. Read more »
Friday, May 13th, 2011
Where to stay in Manchester
Unlike central London, staying in the heart of Manchester is an affordable option, with all the popular attractions nearby. Whether you’re after a hotel, apartment or comfortable backpacker hostel, Manchester has something to suit all budgets. Read more »
