Domestic Flights operated by VA international

[henrus]

I've just come across some domestic flights that are apparently "OPERATED BY VIRGIN AUST INTL FOR VIRGIN AUST" and am wondering if anyone knows what the difference is (either crew or aircraft).

I'm used to the whole VA Intl as I often fly between AU and NZ with NZ based crews but unsure if they operate domestic Australian flights or if it's just the aircraft which do.

The main reason I asked is that 2 of the 15 flight from Melbourne to Brisbane on the 3rd of August have the operated by VA Intl comment.

 

[oz_mark]

They've been sprinkled around the timetable for some time. IME it's.the same service.

 

[henrus]

They've been sprinkled around the timetable for some time. IME it's.the same service.

So is there any real difference like overseas-based crew or aircraft usually assigned to intl flights?

I've never come across it but have just booked one and there must be some difference for VA to have to list "OPERATED BY VIRGIN AUST INTL FOR VIRGIN AUST" and put a red asterisk next to the flight number on the manage booking page.

 

[JeeJee]

Its just the rego which is VAI, the service and crew would be all domestic

 

[Must...Fly!]

IIRC it's to do with the AOC being used, of which VA has several

 

[oz_mark]

So is there any real difference like overseas-based crew or aircraft usually assigned to intl flights?

I've never come across it but have just booked one and there must be some difference for VA to have to list "OPERATED BY VIRGIN AUST INTL FOR VIRGIN AUST" and put a red asterisk next to the flight number on the manage booking page.

It's a structural/ownership thing. Virgin Australia International is a separate airlines, with a separate ownership. In particular, to be able to operate international services, it needs to have no more than 49% foreign ownership.

So, it really is a different airlines, and in some circles there are obligation to identify the actual operating carrier.

It won'tmake any difference to your experience.

 

[henrus]

It won'tmake any difference to your experience.

Cheers. I fly VA all the time trans Tasman (most recent 2 days ago) but have just never come across it on a domestic flight. When VA removed the ZK registered aircraft new VH registered ones appeared at VAI with the Sky interior making for much more pleasant flights across the ditch.

 

[737NG]

VA have a sub fleet of 737s that are configured slightly different for international operations. They are registered VH-YIA through to YIZ. Most of the YI fleet are registered to VAI.

 

[AviatorInsight]

I've just come across some domestic flights that are apparently "OPERATED BY VIRGIN AUST INTL FOR VIRGIN AUST" and am wondering if anyone knows what the difference is (either crew or aircraft).

I'm used to the whole VA Intl as I often fly between AU and NZ with NZ based crews but unsure if they operate domestic Australian flights or if it's just the aircraft which do.

The main reason I asked is that 2 of the 15 flight from Melbourne to Brisbane on the 3rd of August have the operated by VA Intl comment.

Ok, so all the posts previous to this have basically summed it up for you. But for clarity.

1. It’s a VAI aircraft with domestic crew.

2. The only difference is they’re the nicer ones and carry the life rafts and a few extra emergency equipment as a result.

3. There’s only 2 types of operation, VAA or VAI, there’s multiple AOCs but they allow the operator of VAA/VAI to operate into that country with any associated restrictions (RPT, charter etc.)

4. It’s correct that it won’t make any difference to your experience. The only difference (if any, depending on your past experiences) may be in the safety demo where they mention the life rafts in clearly marked stowages in the cabin.

5. All YI* are internationally configured hence the rego YI (for international).