Velocity Chief Nick Rohrlach departs in management shakeup

[SeaWolf]

It was alluded to below, starting at 15:55 into the interview with Nick Rohrlach
("room in the lounges"), and also by the Velocity team during their recent focus groups.

OK, so there's been one fleeting mention of it. Hardly seems like this was a motivating factor and the way it's worded in that interview it sounds more like he's thought it up after the fact in response to noise on this forum. Hardly a "main goal" of the changes he implemented.

 

[simmomelb]

OK, so there's been one fleeting mention of it. Hardly seems like this was a motivating factor and the way it's worded in that interview it sounds more like he's thought it up after the fact in response to noise on this forum. Hardly a "main goal" of the changes he implemented.

In the focus group I was in, it was stated that there were a number of factors for the changes to the Velocity program and that a reduction of members in the lounge was one of many reasons, as they intend on improving their food and drink product for higher value members.
It was clearly stated that they didn't expect huge numbers to drop from the lounges, but enough to allow for more room in the lounges during peak periods.

 

[SeaWolf]

That's definitely interesting, although unverifiable. A lot of things get floated in focus groups and surveys that never eventuate into concrete action.

 

[stu961]

I don't know that I've ever seen this specifically mentioned by anyone at VA as an objective of the changes. It gets brought up a lot on here as something people here think might be one of the objectives, but its just speculation.

Personally I haven't had much issue with the lounges being excessively crowded, though obviously they do get busy during peak period. I think some people on the forum just have unrealistic expectations.

Think you right, we are assuming/speculating. At the end of the day it's usually comes down to making more money so I might replace "crowding" with guests eating and drinking etc etc more than VA makes on the seat. For me and my wife, who are both long time Platinum VA's, I'm not sure how they gain with the changes. We fly mostly international (biz) and have switched everything over to QR. So we still get VA lounge access for instance (as well as QF, so for domestic it's now $$$ for us) but VA is not involved for international and that's where we spend the $$$. But as I have said many times before, it's easy to be a critic, coming up with solutions is the hard game!! So c'est la vie in my case, hope it changes but their business, their call!!

 

[simmomelb]

That's definitely interesting, although unverifiable. A lot of things get floated in focus groups and surveys that never eventuate into concrete action.

I do have the names and emails of the 2 Velocity team members who stated this, but I doubt they will reply to me in writing with this, and I don't want to throw them under the bus.

I am sure there was another interview with Nick that more directly stated this. I will scour the internet to see if I can locate this.

 

[MooTime]

I do have the names and emails of the 2 Velocity team members who stated this, but I doubt they will reply to me in writing with this, and I don't want to throw them under the bus.

I am sure there was another interview with Nick that more directly stated this. I will scour the internet to see if I can locate this.

Ah don't bother mate, some won't believe anything even in print.

It's why this is a top forum is the different views / knowledge and healthy discussions at times.

 

[Talorc]

IT issues requiring fixing needs to be extended to the main VA booking platforms itself, especially trying to add the booking function for pre-booked hot meals on Short Haul International and perhaps East Coast to Perth flights.

Yeah if you are going to treat me like fancy Jetstar, at least let me book a meal ahead of time so you don’t run out

 

[Mattg]

In the focus group I was in, it was stated that there were a number of factors for the changes to the Velocity program and that a reduction of members in the lounge was one of many reasons, as they intend on improving their food and drink product for higher value members.
It was clearly stated that they didn't expect huge numbers to drop from the lounges, but enough to allow for more room in the lounges during peak periods.

When is the improved lounge food going to start?

 

[simmomelb]

When is the improved lounge food going to start?

I've tried to get this info, but have failed each time to get any commitment from my contacts.
I asked the Velocity guys I know, but they either didn't know or didn't want to disclose this.

I guess we can only speculate that once they reach the desired results from the changes, which you would assume would be mid to late this year. Thoughts?
I'm purely basing this on when the changes kicked in and review dates with those dropping from plat to gold, or gold to silver.

 

[MH_fan]

Exactly. I think the main thing that is getting passengers like us off side is that you want us to spend more to maintain/earn status but you haven't really improved anything! Better food and wine in lounges? No. More lounge locations? No. Even lounge access for international routes? No. That is the the worst one.

 

[simmomelb]

Exactly. I think the main thing that is getting passengers like us off side is that you want us to spend more to maintain/earn status but you haven't really improved anything! Better food and wine in lounges? No. More lounge locations? No.

I don't believe expanding lounge locations has ever been hinted at by VA/Velocity, so I would give up on any expectation with that for the time being, particularly given they still aren't offering third-party lounge access on VA short haul, which I would expect far before any additional domestic lounges.

 

[serfty]

When is the improved lounge food going to start?

March 2027? When the last of those who had qualified SG/WP under the old system but not the new and having the COVID date alignment soft land to PS.

 

[MH_fan]

I don't believe expanding lounge locations has ever been hinted at by VA/Velocity, so I would give up on any expectation with that for the time being, particularly given they still aren't offering third-party lounge access on VA short haul, which I would expect far before any additional domestic lounges.

My point is that they want us to spend more but they're not really giving us more for that increased spend.

 

[simmomelb]

My point is that they want us to spend more but they're not really giving us more for that increased spend.

I agree.
I can understand from a business perspective why they haven't yet, though, as outlined above.
Of course, I would personally love to see changes now, but that's not how businesses operate.
Although I guess you could argue that if they start giving us a little taste, pun intended, of what's to come, gradually, it might encourage some to stick around who might otherwise leave and not return.

 

[PERLHR]

Who is the current lounge "caterer" contract with and expiry date....does anyone know? It might not be so easy to change contract or negotiate better quality ....depending upon current provider.

 

[TheInsider]

Who is the current lounge "caterer" contract with and expiry date....does anyone know? It might not be so easy to change contract or negotiate better quality ....depending upon current provider.

Airport Lounges | Trippas White Group

trippaswhitegroup.com.au

 

[PERLHR]

Airport Lounges | Trippas White Group

trippaswhitegroup.com.au

The blurb certainly does not meet the actuality within VA lounges! ,

 

[Rebus]

Airport Lounges | Trippas White Group

trippaswhitegroup.com.au

I see that they currently have plenty of vacancies for chefs, cooks and lounge attendants around many of the VA lounges:

Link

 

[simmomelb]

The blurb certainly does not meet the actuality within VA lounges! ,

You don't feel the Virgin Australia lounges fit within this?... 'award-winning aviation services transform travel into an experience worth savouring. With gourmet menus, seamless service, and thoughtfully curated spaces, Trippas White Group redefines airport hospitality—welcoming travellers with care, calm, and culinary excellence.

Perhaps this would be more fitting...
Our accomplishments include creating a curated menu with a wide and varied range of menu options, an indulgent experience that you would expect from a 5 star restaurant, such as 7 Eleven or your local service station. You'll board your flight with joy and excitement, after a sanga or wrap (or award-winning packet like pasta) along with a decadent cask quality wine from our delightful self-service bar, with decor inspired by the 1990's era (Sydney)'

 

[SCM]

I see that they currently have plenty of vacancies for chefs, cooks and lounge attendants around many of the VA lounges:

Link

2 of them are for the beyond lounge (including supervisor), 1 chef for the VA lounge (normal one), probably just the previous one resigned or something, I doubt this will lead to much of anything.

The sad thing is, the food is so poor even in the qantas business lounge, it would be just such an easy thing to compete on.