Virgin Australia adds routes, frequencies and alcohol

Virgin Australia is now operating to 29 destinations with 35 Boeing 737s and is expecting to add new cities pairs shortly following the WA state government’s border easing. And the airline is now offering alcohol and more substantial snacks for business class passengers, while it continues to evolve its long term offering for all classes. The airline came in for severe criticism recently from business flyers for offering two-minute noodles and a can of coke on a transcontinental journey costing $2500. An announcement is expected this month on its new in-flight service. The fleet of 35 Boeing 737s is expected to increase to at least 45 by December for the holiday season and eventually a fleet of 75. It is expected that Bain Capital which bid $3.5 billion for the airline in administration will take control in the middle of November. Until then chief executive Paul Scurrah will remain at the helm before being replaced by Bain's pick and former Jetstar CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. The airline has added a new feature to its website where travellers can easily find which routes are operational and the frequency. SEE Virgin’s network here The airline has also applied to the ACCC for interim authorisation with Alliance Airlines to enable the airlines to work more closely and give passengers more flexibility when booking regional travel on both carriers. The interim authorisation would mean that as the aviation industry recovers from COVID-19, the two carriers can utilise a combined fleet as well as coordinate and determine pricing, capacity and scheduling. The application covers up to 40 regional routes around Australia. From Perth, for example, Virgin Australia is operating to 11 destinations, excluding FIFO charters. Virgin Australia recently introduced its Passenger Promise which provides flexibility to change bookings up until 31 January 2021 alongside a range of health and wellbeing reassurances for customers who may be uncertain about travelling during this time. Virgin Australia Group Chief Commercial Officer John MacLeod said “we know that some travellers may be uncertain because of COVID-19 and changing border restrictions which is why we’ve taken a number of steps to protect traveller’s health and wellbeing as well as their booking.”