Article: Virgin Blue looks for new codeshare partner

[Yada Yada]

Virgin Blue looks for new codeshare partner
Steve Creedy February 06, 2006

VIRGIN Blue is working towards a deal that would see it add another codeshare and Velocity frequent flyer partner by the end of March, with others likely to follow later in the year.

The move, designed to further offset the advantage that Qantas enjoys through its international network and membership of the Oneworld Alliance, is part of Virgin's plan to reinvent itself as a "new world carrier" and attract more business travellers.

It is understood the airline is in talks with at least three airlines from the massive Star Alliance, whose members include Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand, as well as three independent carriers.

The airline launched its Velocity frequent flyer program in November with Dubai-based Emirates and Virgin Atlantic as partners.

Virgin Blue chief executive Brett Godfrey confirmed on Friday that the airline was in talks with several airlines, including Star carriers.

Full story here.

 

[QF WP]

Well it's good to see that Brett is still in those talks...we spoke about it in November. They are obviously considering the changes that they need to make (computer systems, etc) in order to join *A are going to be worth it (the re-connection of Australia for RTW tickets and the flow back to DJ of additional pax numbers).

 

[Yada Yada]

I also found this tid-bit interesting:

Virgin is also believed to be looking at a premium economy-type service that would give business travellers increased leg-room on longer flights, and is set to introduce live cable television on all services.

I guess they have to be careful with this. Introducing different cabin configurations to provide a premium economy on longer flights would be great but it must make their fleet less flexible. Nonetheless it is exactly what would help encourage me to consider DJ over QF on the SYD-PER route.

 

[JohnK]

It is understood the airline is in talks with at least three airlines from the massive Star Alliance, whose members include Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand, as well as three independent carriers.

Virgin Blue chief executive Brett Godfrey confirmed on Friday that the airline was in talks with several airlines, including Star carriers.

This would be great news to a few people I know. They already use Virgin for most domestic flights and do regular trips to ATH and FCO.

When QF stopped SYD-ATH and SYD-FCO flights in the 90's it opened up a lot of business for Thai, SQ and Gulf. It is too difficult to get to ATH with one world whereas FCO is a little easier flying CX via HKG.

Virgin codeshares with Star Alliance could entice more people to fly with them.