Virgin next steps - streaming content, lounges

[moa999]

From the CEO's address

In the next month, we will commence implementation of a leading in-flight stored content Wi-Fi
system, which will enable customers to stream video and audio directly to their own personal
electronic devices
We will also open ‘stage one’ of our new flagship lounge at Sydney Domestic Airport and in 2013,
we will complete stage two of the Sydney Lounge and launch new lounges in Canberra, Hobart
and Cairns.
(given dates and alternate prior to Xmas below, I take the above two as prior to Dec-15)
Prior to Christmas, Sydney Airport’s Domestic terminal (T2) will see the opening of the extension to
our dedicated pier, increasing our gates from 9 to 14 (including 4 wide-body aircraft gates). This
will allow further improvements to our On Time Performance in Sydney and enhance the airport
experience.

 

[dk4]

...Prior to Christmas, Sydney Airport’s Domestic terminal (T2) will see the opening of the extension to our dedicated pier...

Are they building something on top, at the end of this pier - the scaffolding does seem to be higher than required for a single level extension?

 

[RooFlyer]

Are they building something on top, at the end of this pier - the scaffolding does seem to be higher than required for a single level extension?

Looking at it now., yes, extra level at end. New lounge position?

A lounge in Hobart will be great.

 

[moa999]

Are they building something on top, at the end of this pier - the scaffolding does seem to be higher than required for a single level extension?

Agree that there does appear to be an additional level. Haven't heard anything about it though.
The stage 1 flagship lounge is above the current lounge.

 

[ms1]

Is it possible that they will make a seperate areas for Plats and business class passengers?

 

[DJVA]

Is it possible that they will make a seperate areas for Plats and business class passengers?

Let's hope so.

More code sharing with Singapore is definitely another step in the right direction. However, they aren't going to get the PAX they want without deeper, alliance-style integration. It would be great to see entry given to the Krislounges for Velocity Gold, Platinum and Lounge members, even if you aren't in J. If they can replicate what they have with Air New Zealand in terms of lounge access and other benefits with Singapore and Etihad that would be a sure winner.

 

[moa999]

Let's hope so.

More code sharing with Singapore is definitely another step in the right direction. However, they aren't going to get the PAX they want without deeper, alliance-style integration. It would be great to see entry given to the Krislounges for Velocity Gold, Platinum and Lounge members, even if you aren't in J. If they can replicate what they have with Air New Zealand in terms of lounge access and other benefits with Singapore and Etihad that would be a sure winner.

Umm.
Lounge Access with Velocity Membership | Velocity Frequent Flyer

Gold and Plat already have access to SQ/EY lounges when travelling on SQ/EY metal respectively.
* Economy pax only get the KrisFlyer Gold lounge in SIN (no showers) but that is similar for *A elite
* Gold members get the more average lounge in Abu Dhabi

Welcome to AFF however DJVA

 

[Fruitcake]

However, they aren't going to get the PAX they want without deeper, alliance-style integration. It would be great to see entry given to the Krislounges for Velocity Gold, Platinum and Lounge members, even if you aren't in J.

Gold and platinum velocity members already get lounge access when flying in Y on SQ.

Access for paid Lounge members would be nice but I doubt it will ever happen. Asian and European airlines simply don't do paid lounge memberships and I doubt that VA has enough clout in the relationships to negotiate it - especially with SQ who have legendary brand snobbishness (see the Krisflyer Gold lounge in SIN!).

 

[EuroFlyer]

Looking forward to seeing the new sydney lounge when it opens. Wouldn't mind a plat lounge opening (given that il be platinum by christmas )

 

[Jousams]

Looking at it now., yes, extra level at end. New lounge position?

Since they are 330 gates I'm thinking it could be just extra seating, much like in SIN.


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly app

 

[DJVA]

Don't mind me then!

 

[Qld4101]

Does anyone know the time frames for the new lounges (in particular Cairns) in 2013?

Thanks in advance.........

 

[RooFlyer]

Since they are 330 gates I'm thinking it could be just extra seating, much like in SIN.


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly app

Seating!? ... splutter .... perish the thought! If not a lounge, then retail, surely! People sitting down aren't spending. Make it a 100m boarding aisle, where people have to wind there way through 6 retail outlets upstairs between having their passes scanned and getting on board.

 

[Justchecking]

Are they building something on top, at the end of this pier - the scaffolding does seem to be higher than required for a single level extension?

When the hoarding was up in the main walkway to the gates there was an artists impression of an up\down escalator. I thought it was for aerobridge access at current level and tarmac access below for the ATRs which don't fit on an aerobridge.

 

[lovestotravel]

Sorry Virgin you are too far behind with the IFE situation - It's a joke

Streaming content doesn't work for me

Is it possible that they will make a seperate areas for Plats and business class passengers?

Who knows - Seems they want to focus on the Chairman's lounge level, but with nothing official from Virgin I have lost interest

2013 flying will all be on Qantas now

 

[moa999]

Can understand the down escalator for ATRs (and potentially Tiger who may continue stair boarding)
but if you look at the envelope of the scaffolding/ building there is clearly a third level (Ie tarmac, current gates, new level) at that end of the pier.

On Cairns lounge,
That is the first mention we have seen so no better date.

 

[markis10]

On Cairns lounge,
That is the first mention we have seen so no better date.

Its not the first mention of the Cairns lounge with JB mentioning it back in August, I dont think it will take long as there is already a lounge space vacant.

 

[Fruitcake]

Its not the first mention of the Cairns lounge with JB mentioning it back in August, I dont think it will take long as there is already a lounge space vacant.

Gossip from a checkin staff member on Saturday 17/11 was that she thinks construction has begun but that "2013 could mean a lot of things, and we have no idea which end of 2013 it will be."

My father was told the next day that construction was definitely underway and it will likely open before Christmas.

As for the truth - well, who knows, but I'd put more money on the story I was told than the one my father was given.

 

[serfty]

...

On Cairns lounge,
That is the first mention we have seen so no better date.

Back in August: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....locity/lounge-for-cairns-confirmed-42696.html

 

[markis10]

I wonder what has happened to the Darwin lounge, too hard basket perhaps.