MEDIA RELEASE PR35730
Lower Fares To Australia Are Coming as Virgin Spreads Its Wings From South Africa To Australia With
Its Newest Airline
BRISBANE, Aug. 17 /Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --
From Leopards and Lions to Koalas and Kangaroos
V Australia to Launch Flights from Johannesburg to Melbourne
.Coming soon!! Sir Richard Branson's newest Australian airline to bring low fares, koalas on the aircraft wall,
opera house shakers, the Southern Cross, a new airline choice and world famous Virgin service to the people
of South Africa.
Monday 17 August 2009: Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Group, has today announced that
Australia's newest international airline, V Australia, will launch direct flights between Johannesburg, South
Africa and Melbourne, Australia from early next year.^
V Australia launched flights between Australia and the US in February this year and has already been
recognized for its exceptional in-flight product, friendly crew and unique Australiana touches. The airline is the
sister carrier to Richard Branson's other long haul airline, Virgin Atlantic, which already operates flights from
the United Kingdom to Johannesburg.
V Australia will begin flying between Australia and South Africa in March next year, just in time to fly hordes
of fans to Johannesburg for the FIFA World Cup.
Flights from Johannesburg to Melbourne will take off on 13 March 2010 and operate twice weekly with
connections to other Australian cities including Sydney and Brisbane.
Sir Richard Branson said, "I am very proud to be bringing our fresh new Aussie airline to South Africa and
can't wait for it to touch down for the first time on South African soil. I know V Australia will offer true value for
money, while at the same time providing a brilliant service."
He added, "I am especially pleased that it will mean lower fares to Australia and will also bring more Aussie
visitors to experience the special beauty of South Africa, its people, its landscape and of course, the big five."
V Australia is part of the award winning Virgin Blue Group of Airlines, based in Australia and operates a
brand new fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The carrier offers a three class service including International
Business, International Premium Economy and International Economy.
The airline was designed to offer the most comfortable, high-tech, innovative and pleasurable long haul
flying experience available and does so via a range of special features from the sit-down in-flight bar, fully lie-
flat beds and "privacy suite" seating options in Business Class to the complimentary thongs and salt and
pepper shakers in the shape of the Sydney Opera House that are gifted to Business Class Guests.
The aircraft also features Australian animals hidden in wallpaper murals on the bathroom walls, a Ladies
Only Toilet and the Southern Cross sky twinkling on the cabin roof through its innovative mood lighting
system. Every V Australia Guest across all cabins is able to enjoy our "Red" individual seat back in-flight
entertainment providing a wide array of films, music and games.
Sir Richard Branson continued, "The one special thing that sets Virgin airlines apart from all other airlines
around the world is the people who fly our aircraft and the people who look after our Guests, whether it be in
the air or on the ground and I am personally excited that travellers can now fly from Australia direct to South
Africa on V Australia and then on to London with Virgin Atlantic under the great care of Virgin crew all the
way."
Virgin Blue Group revolutionized air travel in the Australian market when it first launched almost 10 years
ago and has been credited with providing competitive air fares, sterling service and for bringing back old
fashioned fun and glamour to both domestic and international flying.
The commencement of V Australia flights to Johannesburg will mean South African travellers will be able to
fly all around the world on a Virgin airline including to Australia and then across to Los Angeles on V Australia,
on to New York on Virgin America, followed by a flight to London and then back to South Africa on Virgin
Atlantic.
V Australia plans to announce super specials to Australia shortly, signaling a new era of air fare competition
on South Africa- Australia routes.
^ Subject to Government and regulatory approval.
Heather Jeffery
General Manager Public Affairs
Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd
Ph: +61 7 3295 5898
Email: heather.jeffery@virginblue.com.au
Amanda Bolger
Manager Public and Media Relations
Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd
Ph: +61 7 3295 3115
Email: Amanda.bolger@virginblue.com.au
SOURCE: V Australia
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