Not only have we begun the year with the inaugural commercial flight between Brisbane and Emerald, but we have announced that from today, tickets are on-sale for a double daily return service between Melbourne and Perth, operated by our Airbus A330.
From May 14th 2012, the Airbus A330 will operate two daily return services including a daily peak-return morning service from Melbourne to Sydney.
Airbus A330 VH-XFB takes off
Daily Airbus A330 flights to Perth will depart at 1pm and 5.30pm local Melbourne time, arriving Perth at 3.15pm and 7.45pm respectively local Perth time.
Return flights from Perth depart at 8.30am and 5.30pm local Perth time, arriving in Melbourne at 1.45pm and 10.45pm respectively local Melbourne time.
The daily Airbus A330 service between Melbourne and Sydney will depart at 7.15am local Melbourne time, arriving Sydney at 8.40am. The return service will depart Sydney at 10.00am local Sydney time, arriving Melbourne at 11.35am.
By already having our designer Lounge at Melbourne Domestic Airport, and thanks to the wide-body Airbus, we will now be able to offer our full premium Business and Economy class service, for our guests that fly out of Melbourne as well as Sydney and Perth.
To book your next flight from Melbourne visit our website.
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Late in 2011 we announced that we would begin a new route between Brisbane and the Queensland Central Highlands city of Emerald.
Virgin Australia's Inaugural Emerald flight has landed
This morning the inaugural flight, where the ATR72, registration VH-FVH and operating as DJ1255, left a very wet Brisbane Airport.
Ninety minutes and 900 kilometres later, the French built aircraft, named “Four Mile Beach” after the beautiful Port Douglas beach, touched down completing her first commercial flight to the Queensland town of Emerald.
It was great to see such a good turn out to the aircraft’s arrival, as well as the community day that the Emerald Airport and Central Highlands Regional Council hosted on January 7th, where the wider Emerald community was able to get up close to the new aircraft and ask our staff and crew a variety of questions.
An area known for its rich, resource-heavy economy, the flight north certainly shows the diversity of the Queensland landscape, from the urban sprawl of Brisbane to the gorgeous Sunshine Coast beaches. Then veering inland and travelling over the browns and green shades of regional Queensland. It’s actually quite a sight to see the various types of emerald green that cover the central highlands area; clearly a benefit of the amount of rain that has fallen on the area over the past 12 months.
Morning flights Monday through Friday from Brisbane will depart at 5.45am, arriving in Emerald at 7.40am; with a return flight departing Emerald at 8.10am, arriving in Brisbane at 9.55am. Afternoon flights will depart Brisbane at 4.00pm, arriving in Emerald at 5.55pm; with a return flight departing Emerald at 6.25pm, arriving in Brisbane at 8.10pm. Sunday afternoon services will also operate to this schedule.
In addition to this newest route, we operate the ATR on:
* Double daily week-day return services between Brisbane and Gladstone
* Daily return services between Brisbane and Port Macquarie
* Double daily services between Sydney and Port Macquarie
* Up to six daily return services between Sydney to Canberra
View from the ATR72 over the Central Highlands of Queensland
The patchwork field design of Central Queensland
Emerald Airport Virgin Australia Check in
Have you flown or are you planning to fly on our ATR72? We would love to hear your feedback as to your experiences as well as any tips for those not familiar to some of our newest destinations!
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
Our new Virgin Australia Lounge experience is a stylish yet practical space in which to work, socialise or unwind in comfort prior to your Virgin Australia flight departure from selected domestic airports.
Offering a great selection of complimentary benefits including a new Luke Mangan designed buffet menu and premium wines, business services, news, and entertainment, the Virgin Australia Lounge is your airport haven.
We’ve just been released a new TV commercial to promote the Lounge (see below).
The new Brisbane Domestic Lounge opened last week (27th July), joining the flagship Melbourne Lounge as both being recently renovated by renowned architect Tim Greer of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. – see the photos here
To find out more, including entry rates or how to join visit the website here
Have you already experienced either of these two fantastic spaces prior to your flight? Favourite part? Any tips for your fellow travellers when using them?
Virgin Australia today opened Melbourne as the first of its contemporary new airport lounges, designed by renowned architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG).
Welcome to the new Melbourne Lounge
Virgin Australia Group Executive of Product and Guest Services Martin Daley said: “Our new lounge showcase Virgin Australia’s focus on providing a seamless, first-rate travel experience for business and leisure travellers.
“The crisp contemporary design balances the functional requirements of frequent travellers with luxury finishes, providing an inspiring and relaxing space for Guests to escape. Featuring multiple zones for meetings, wireless internet capabilities and a “quiet library”, the lounge is well-equipped to cater for modern business needs; while the high bar acts as the dynamic hub where Guests can celebrate and socialise.
“We’re also very pleased to announce that we are extending our culinary
Luke Mangan designed Food & Beverage offering
partnership with Luke Mangan, offering a fresh seasonal menu that draws on Luke’s extensive experience in fine food.” Mr. Daley said.
The new menu will be offered in all Virgin Australia lounges*. In designing the menu, Luke Mangan focused on the very best seasonal and flavoursome Australian produce, as he did with the inflight menu. “I took great care in tailoring the selection to the busy travel schedules of Virgin Australia Guests who are looking for a quick but delicious snack.
A beautiful continental breakfast with fresh fruit is served in the morning; seasonal salads and soups are offered throughout the day (with hot treats in our larger lounges); and evening introduces delicious Australian cheeses as well as mini cakes and gourmet biscuits to satisfy a sweet tooth”, Consultant Chef for Virgin Australia, Luke Mangan, commented.
We understand that Guests will come into the lounge looking for a tasty bite to eat and it is a priority to ensure the selection will change frequently with the seasons,” Mr. Mangan said.
The Flying Lady
TZG architects Director, Tim Greer, said the new design focused on creating a haven for guests to escape and imagine.
“An airport can be seen as nothing more than a place of movement: movement of planes, luggage and people. I have taken this idea as the starting point for the design of Virgin Australia’s Melbourne lounge and created a deliberate flow from one space to another, demonstrating and facilitating the ease of travel.
“In essence, the Melbourne lounge is designed with plane-inspired organic and streamlined architecture and reconnects with the glamour days of air travel, when it was a time to relax in a luxurious setting”, Mr. Greer said.
Key features of the new Melbourne lounge include:
* Contemporary design, featuring modern digital artwork Imaginary Object #1. #3, #4, 2007 – 2008 by Australian artist Daniel Crooks, illuminated Marblo bars, intricate timber paneling, vertical glass screens, natural light and expansive views;
* Multiple quiet zones for meetings;
* Wireless internet with power and data throughout, workstations and PCs;
* A “quiet library” retreat;
* High comfort contemporary designer furniture including Walter Knoll leather chairs;
* A Luke Mangan-designed menu, offering high quality meals and snacks;
* Premium wine and beer selection from 11am;
* All hours barista service;
* Australian made and owned GROWN organic skincare products.
Virgin Australia launched the lounge program in May 2006 and now has six lounges in the Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth domestic terminals.
Sydney Premium Entry
Today’s announcement follows the April launch of the Sydney loungePremium Entry and Premium Valet service, offering an exclusive entry, check-in and security screening point for Velocity Gold members, Business and Premium Economy Guests at the Sydney T2 Domestic terminal. Priority Screening was introduced in Melbourne earlier this month, providing these premium Guests with an exclusive security screening lane.
“These are all key parts of our plans to provide travellers with a streamlined, hassle-free experience both in the air and on the ground”, Mr. Daley said.
* Luke Mangan designed menu is not available in the Brisbane temporary lounge facility this will be available upon opening of the new Brisbane lounge.
Our sister airline, Virgin Blue, is one of the sponsors of the event, but that’s not the only reason we’re excited. The amazing entertainment showcase that is the Australian Open is something we love to behold. Mixing world class tennis with world class entertainment, facilities and technology. An energetic sporting carnival, that blends the fun and enjoyment of tennis with social and cultural attributes that celebrate Australia’s iconic love of the great outdoors and fun in the sun. Click here to learn more or better yet click here to join us and book your Australian Open Blue Holiday.
Our very own Scott Swift, Executive General Manager, shares the behind the scenes stories and even some photos of the fabulous Melbourne to Los Angeles launch.
The stars turned out in their droves to support V Australia’s MEL-LAX launch last week with a gaggle of Aussie celebs joining the inaugural flight including actors Vince Colosimo, Tim Campbell, Pippa Black, musicians Axle Whitehead and Jacob Butler, Balinese Princess Lindy Klim and of course the fabulous V Australia crew. Read more »
Film enthusiasts will flock to Melbourne for Australia’s largest film festival program and audience. The 2009 festival will screen almost 300 films from world-class festivals, including Cannes, Sundance, Rotterdam, Berlin and Toronto Festivals. The program will feature the work of world-renowned filmmakers, and more than a couple of unknown gems. The fun doesn’t stop with the films, this 17 day festival will be filled with parties, conversations with industry leaders and behind the scenes access. For even more information check out the complete festival guide here or to plan your very own film fest adventure and buy tickets don’t miss the official MIFF site.
