Virgin (and QF) re-starting overseas flights

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I did not see how many they may expect but imagine it may grow as time goes on.
 
The Australian embassy or DFAT could supply them with a list of customers itching for evacuation, making logistics efficient. None of this $8000 a seat nonsense. There are heaps of backpackers wanting a lift back too.
Plus they can be tested now, and or given something to drop viral shedding just in case. Exploiting the vulnerable because of Rona is not a nice thing to do.
 
This thread heading is misleading.

These are Government organised CHARTER flights to evacuate those overseas correct?

Not paid passenger flights.
 
This thread heading is misleading.

These are Government organised CHARTER flights to evacuate those overseas correct?

Not paid passenger flights.
I think it is in the 3rd paragraph

Returning passengers on the Qantas and Virgin flights will have to pay their own airfares.
 
Courtesy ABC
Australians trying to return home will be asked to make their way to travel hubs in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, London and Auckland under a repatriation plan the government is developing.

The four hubs were decided on after talks with Qantas and Virgin, and were chosen because they provide the easiest access points for the greatest number of stranded Australians.

The government is still in discussions with airlines about mercy flights to less accessible locations, such as in South America and the Pacific.
 
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Courtesy ABC
Australians trying to return home will be asked to make their way to travel hubs in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, London and Auckland under a repatriation plan the government is developing.

The four hubs were decided on after talks with Qantas and Virgin, and were chosen because they provide the easiest access points for the greatest number of stranded Australians.

The government is still in discussions with airlines about mercy flights to less accessible locations, such as in South America and the Pacific.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said these locations were chosen based on providing accessibility to the largest number of overseas Australians possible.

"This is about getting Australians back home as soon as possible," Mr McCormack said.

"These flights will also provide much-needed freight capacity to Australian exporters and importers to these destinations.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said the message to Australians overseas is clear: they should not hesitate if they have an opportunity to take commercial flights home.

"Many Australians will be able to get to one of these four destinations. They can do so knowing there will be an Australian airline to get them home," Ms Payne said.

"We recognise that, in some cases, this will not be possible. We will continue to work closely with airlines and our overseas consular assistance network in these situations.

A Virgin spokesperson told the ABC: “As a major Australian carrier we are pleased to support the Government in getting Australians home and maintaining important freight links into the country."

I guess the Government finally had to 'walk the walk' after 'talking the talk' ... saying they wouldn't play favourites while consistently just going to Qantas to set up relief flights. Obviously sorely needed revenue for them both, but I assume just a drop in the bucket.
 
This thread heading is misleading.

These are Government organised CHARTER flights to evacuate those overseas correct?

Not paid passenger flights.
Mods, please amend the title to include the word Rescue. I know the OP had the best of intentions, but this is like thinking you found a winning $10K scratchy on the ground only to find it’s a flyer for the Republican party.

Edit: changed from Charter to Rescue upon learning that these are commercially available once-off flights.
 
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More information on these flights:

VA only getting 3 of the weekly 13 flights at this stage
1x BNE-LAX return per week
2x BNE-HKG returns per week


Qantas and Virgin Australia will operate a total of 13 flights a week to bring Australians home from overseas after the federal government agreed to subsidise the cost of the services during the coronavirus crisis.
From Thursday, Qantas will do ten return flights a week including one London-Melbourne via Perth at a cost of around $1500 a ticket. No-one will be allowed to disembark in Perth.

Other services include one between Los Angeles and Brisbane; two Hong Kong-Brisbane and two Hong Kong-Melbourne, and two a week between Auckland-Brisbane and Auckland-Melbourne.

Hong Kong and LA flights will cost under $1000 a seat, and those from Auckland between $300 and $400.

The flights can only be booked through qantas.com.

All passengers returning to Australia will be subject to the two-weeks of supervised quarantine, like all other overseas arrivals.

It’s understood none of the flights are going to Sydney because the government wants to spread quarantine to other states.

Qantas will use its Boeing 787-9s to operate the services but because of a pause in licensing arrangements by the airline to save money during the coronavirus crisis, seat back in-flight entertainment screens won’t be in operation.

A basic food and drink service will be provided and there will be no frequent flyer points or status credits applied for the flights.

Customers will not be able to book in particular cabins, such as business or premium economy with a set fare for everyone.

The same will apply for anyone wishing to book a seat heading out of Australia.

A Qantas spokesman said they were proud to be operating the flights on behalf of the federal government to help bring more Australians home.

“Maintaining strategic air connections from Australia to hubs in the UK, US, Hong Kong and New Zealand will enable essential travel and freight to continue during this crisis,” he said.

Virgin Australia will also provide government-subsidised services including one return flight between LA and Brisbane and two return flights between Brisbane and Hong Kong.

Fare details have not been provided as yet.

A Virgin Australia spokeswoman said they were pleased to support the government in getting Australians home and maintain important freight links into the country.

Under the deal with the government, taxpayers will cover the cost of the outbound flights and any shortfall in the cost of operating the inbound flights.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the services would build on the $1bn in support the government had already committed to Australia’s aviation industry.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said constructive discussions were continuing with Virgin Australia and Qantas about other services to less accessible destinations, like South America and the Pacific Islands.




 
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Not charter flights. See attachment, commerically available to book on VA website.

Capture.JPG


Stranded Australians will be able to access regular flights home from London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Auckland for the next four weeks, Foreign Minister Marise Payne says.
Qantas and Virgin Australia will operate the services, which have been organised after talks with the federal government.
Senator Payne indicated the federal government could potentially fund charter flights to pick up Australians who are unable to access the four airports, particularly those stranded in South America and the Pacific Islands.
“We recognise that, in some cases, this will not be possible. We will continue to work closely with airlines and our overseas consular assistance network in these situations,” she said.
“Where there are no commercial options available, the Government will consider supporting, on a case-by-case basis, non-scheduled services to other overseas destinations.
 
Shouldn't Virgin have received 4 if there is no favouritism and based on Joyce wanting 3 times the financial assistance.
 
Just looking at the next LHR-MEL flight, ‘flex’ Y only available for £721 one way. Claimed to earn SCs at discount Y rate and modest points So looked like something had been plugged in re points and SC earn.

Also not sure if points upgrade would have worked, suspect not. QF website was a bit strange - suggesting login for points plus pay etc, but I was already logged in.

D5AF8850-A6C4-4987-979A-536B93BC3E8A.png

Checked seat selection and only the Y cabin offered. Although the middle seats are all blocked. Guessing the J cabin might be a sick bay.

Not sure what will happen re the Y+ cabin, a window with the aisle blocked would be a relatively choice option.

43DA2194-D3FF-47BE-BA63-38AF24588753.png
 
HKG and LAX schedules and fares now published on the VA website:
 
It will be quite nice to see a VA 777 in Europe and especially Paris.

The fact that the French Government is using Virgin Australia is causing a small scandal amongst Air France's staff as to why AF was not chosen...

They given the Qantas CV experience should be grateful of not being put in harms way ....dodging s bullet, .silver lining...
 
Airline crew are no longer exempt in QLD. QF has delayed their services ex BNE while they work it out. I imagine VA will be doing the same.
 
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