BRISBANE, Calif. , Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- V Australia has today confirmed a new launch date of February 27, 2008 * for its historic trans-Pacific inaugural flight from Sydney to Los Angeles .
The airline's original launch date of December 15, 2008 was delayed due to industrial action at the Boeing factory in Seattle , which slowed down the delivery of V Australia's launch aircraft.
Following the fit-out of special cabin features at Victorville, California , a 60-strong team of Virgin Blue Group and V Australia executives will make a special trip from 'down-under' to attend the official aircraft handover event in Seattle on February 6 .
From Friday, February 27, 2009 the airline will initially operate three weekly direct services before ramping up to daily flights from March 21, 2009 following the delivery of additional 777-300ER aircraft.
V Australia has also confirmed Wednesday, April 8, 2009 as the revised launch date for direct Los Angeles - Brisbane flights, with three weekly direct flights to the gateway of Australia's famous Sunshine State .
V Australia Executive General Manager, Scott Swift said, "While we never took our foot off the pedal, the team is now in full flight preparing for the delivery of our first aircraft, subsequent approval processes and of course the actual launch of a new international airline between the States and Australia."
He continued, "From the outset, we committed to launching an airline that offered an outstanding and innovative three class option across the Pacific. We are also committed to offering value for money and there are plenty of great fares up for grabs for travelers from the US wanting to visit V Australia's homeland."
"We have no doubt tourism will be boosted to both the US and Australia given the introduction of some much needed competition and some of Virgin's famous service style," Scott Swift finished.
In preparation for its February launch, V Australia has already opened a US Sales Office in Los Angeles ; and continues to fill positions within its new LAX Airport Team. The airline has also announced the successful tenders for some of its key operational requirements including Hallmark Aviation for its Guest handling processes, Menzies Aviation for ramp operations and Flying Food Group for onboard catering.
V Australia will operate from the recently renovated, sleek and stylish Terminal 3 which was designed with the Virgin 'flair' Guests have become accustomed to and adjacent to Virgin America's Check-in facility.
V Australia has also launched a marketing campaign featuring large advertising wallscapes announcing the new V Australia crew in town. The wallscapes are located on prominent buildings in Hollywood and along the Santa Monica Freeway.
* For V Australia bookings log on to www.vaustralia.com, call 1-800-444-0260 or contact your local travel agent. Flights are subject to regulatory approval.
Issued by: Amanda Bolger Manager, Public & Media Relations Virgin Blue Group Ph: + 61 402 137 071 [email protected]SOURCE V Australia
