Virgin Australia to launch Brisbane-Perth A330 service
By David Flynn, February 26 2013
Virgin Australia will add Brisbane-Perth to its Airbus A330 Coast to Coast service from 15 May, with two out of three weekday return services be operated by the big bird.
Brisbane-Perth flights currently use smaller Boeing 737-800 planes, which have less space in both business and economy.
In business class, the A330s have either comfortable cradle sleeper type recliner seats or Virgin's newest angled lie-flat seats. That's compared with the standard recliners seen on the 737s.
Even the older cradle-style A330 business class seats are a step up from the 737.
In economy, the 2-4-2 layout of the A330s alone is a big step up from the 3-3 configuration of the 737s: fewer neighbours means more space and less chance of getting stuck in a middle seat.
Newer A330s also have top-notch on-demand entertainment and USB ports with power to keep your gadgets charged.
Brisbane-Perth schedules: how to find a more comfortable flight
The daily Airbus A330 flights to Perth on weekdays will depart Brisbane at 0845 and 2015, arriving Perth at 1225 and 2355 respectively.
The return services from Perth depart at 1230 and 2245, arriving in Brisbane at 1850 and 0505 (the next morning).
A third weekday return service on a 737, will depart Brisbane at 1730, arriving in Perth at 2125. It'll return from Perth at 0735 and arrive at 1355.
The single weekend A330 flight is on Sunday departing Brisbane at 2015, arriving in Perth at 2355. The return from Perth leaves at 2245, arriving in Brisbane at 0505 the next morning.
"These are complemented on Saturdays and Sundays by the existing Boeing 737 schedule unless stated otherwise," Virgin says.
Tickets for the A330 services go on sale tomorrow.
“We have listened to our guests and we understand that spacious aircraft, comfortable seating, and inclusive catering and entertainment make a real difference on these longer journeys" said Merren McArthur, Virgin Australia Group Executive for Alliances, Network and Yield.
“Brisbane and Perth are important gateways for the resources and tourism industries and we are continually looking for ways to improve the travel experience between these cities.
For the latest news for business travellers and frequent flyers, follow @AusBT on Twitter.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Ansett Global Rewards
30 Oct 2012
Total posts 16
About time!
Virgin Australia - Gold Velocity Rewards
26 Feb 2013
Total posts 2
Great news!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 May 2012
Total posts 178
Nice one
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 May 2012
Total posts 580
"The single weekend A330 flight is on Sunday departing Brisbane at 2015, arriving in Perth at 2355. The return from Perth leaves at 2245, arriving in Brisbane at 0505 the next morning."
Sounds a bit fishy to me!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 May 2012
Total posts 580
Unless it flies a triangular route between PER & MEL/SYD/BNE
03 Jan 2011
Total posts 665
I imagine that's it, unless someone at Virgin typoed. I'm keeping an eye on the timetables to check.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jan 2013
Total posts 55
Awesome.... better than 767's
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
23 May 2012
Total posts 268
That's great! However, does that mean that Sydney or Melbourne won't be A330-only or are these new aircraft from Airbus?
Whichever the one, that will really shake Qantas!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jul 2012
Total posts 43
I can only hope we see this sort of competition on the Trans Tasman run. 737-800's dont quote cut the mustart, particularly up front.
09 Sep 2012
Total posts 139
If they use "Configuration 2" aircraft (2-3-2) with the lesser seats, as depicted on the VA website, as they probably will, it's a moot point as to whether it's any improvement at all.
Velocity Frequent Flyer
02 Mar 2013
Total posts 4
I think that Virgin Australia should add some A330 services on the Brisbane to Sydney and Melbourne and Sydney routes as well to compete with Qantas who currently uses a mix of 767s and 737s same as Ansett Australia used to use. Im very glad to hear that Virgin Australia is pushing away from a budget airline model, I've really enjoyed flying Virgin Australia since they moved away from that model. I refuse to fly Tiger Airways or Jetstar.
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