Why is Virgin Blue "DJ"?

[ChrisFlyer]

Random question, but I've never been able to work out why Virgin Blue uses the code "DJ", instead of say "VB"? I know V Australia uses "VA", so why not "VB" for Virgin Blue?

 

[meloz]

The code VB was being used by a UK operator. I believe it is a Mexican operator now days.

Meloz

 

[anat0l]

I don't exactly know how the IATA assigns codes or how airlines jockey for IATA codes, but for some reason you never seem to find too many airlines that have "nice" IATA codes.

BA works out extraordinarily well, as does VA for that matter, and NZ, AF, AA and RJ.

QF is one of those "close" ones and a lot fall in this category: CX, SQ, MH, PR, KE, JL, SK, JQ and so on. (EI just works if you think about where the airline comes from )

Then there are those "removed" ones that keep you guessing: anything that starts with a number, AY, DJ, JK, JJ...


On a more creative note, perhaps they chose DJ because the abbreviation sounds cool and party-like. Besides, what trendy airline would want to use an abbreviation that shares its likeness with a shoddy beer?


VB is currently a free IATA code according to Wikipedia....

 

[oz_mark]

There are only so many 2 letter codes to go around. VB was likely in use at the time (and according to the list I have was Maersk then Duo Air in the UK, and is currently VivaAeroBus in Mexico).

 

[sampson]

When I started lurking here, I thought you guys were talking about a secret David Jones promo.

 

[Evan]

When I started lurking here, I thought you guys were talking about a secret David Jones promo.

But your educated and wise to the strange abbreviations and codes use by airlines and travel related businesses.

 

[dajop]

I'm sure it had something to do with Richard Branson. IIRC, the now defunct Virgin Express had the code "TV".

 

[medhead]

Besides, what trendy airline would want to use an abbreviation that shares its likeness with a shoddy beer?

Or a type of holden car called a Commodore. In fact, the type of car that I did the ton in, for the second time. (1st was in granddad's old falcon, 3rd was in a Charade :shock: )

I actually believe, but can't remember all the codes, that the virgin group of airlines are all models of Commodore, except DJ.

well I guess and TV - but perhaps that is why they let it go.....

 

[Mal]

I know some around here would state that it stands for "DodgyJet", but IIRC, it actually did have a basis originally.

 

[ashsta77]

Random Sunday morning thought/question:

With rumours suggesting that Virgin Blue will change to Virgin Australia, would the
DJ change to VA across the network too?

 

[Bundy Bear]

Random question, but I've never been able to work out why Virgin Blue uses the code "DJ", instead of say "VB"? I know V Australia uses "VA", so why not "VB" for Virgin Blue?

VB probably wasn't available, they may have went for something with Virgins music history. "Disc Jockey" or maybe something like "Discount Jet"

I don't exactly know how the IATA assigns codes or how airlines jockey for IATA codes, but for some reason you never seem to find too many airlines that have "nice" IATA codes.

BA works out extraordinarily well, as does VA for that matter, and NZ, AF, AA and RJ.

QF is one of those "close" ones and a lot fall in this category: CX, SQ, MH, PR, KE, JL, SK, JQ and so on. (EI just works if you think about where the airline comes from )

Then there are those "removed" ones that keep you guessing: anything that starts with a number, AY, DJ, JK, JJ...

On a more creative note, perhaps they chose DJ because the abbreviation sounds cool and party-like. Besides, what trendy airline would want to use an abbreviation that shares its likeness with a shoddy beer?

VB is currently a free IATA code according to Wikipedia....

Doing some searching for DJ I came up with this piece of information.

[FONT=ARIAL,]AY - Finnair. AY code was allocated to Finnair in 1940's by IATA when the airline was called Aero OY (osakeyhtiö= Ltd.) =) They did'nt change this when the name was changed to Finnair in 1960's.[/FONT]
​

QF = Qantas Flight.

NH = Nippon Helicopters.

Air NZ which now has NZ originally started with TE due to it being Tasman Empire Airlines Ltd.

Random Sunday morning thought/question:

With rumours suggesting that Virgin Blue will change to Virgin Australia, would the
DJ change to VA across the network too?

I wouldn't be surprised that they eventually go with one IATA code and use VA but changing IATA codes is not easy.

While doing some searching one friend of mine who applied for an IATA a few years ago explained it like this, the airline was Ghana International Airlines ended up with G0 (0 as in the number)

[FONT=ARIAL,]"Basically you look at what is available and beg him for the best option.[/FONT]"
​

Usually an IATA codes comes from a previous owner of the code.

[FONT=ARIAL,]Alaska Airlines' AS derives from one of their progenitor carriers Alaska Star Airways.[/FONT]
​

[FONT=ARIAL,]Air Pacific(FJ) until 1971 was called Fiji Airways [/FONT]
​

[FONT=ARIAL,] There are 26 letters + 10 digits =36 Alphanumeric characters. 36 * 36= 1296

Will have to check to see how Strategic Airlines came up with the VC code.

You learn something new every day, even on Sundays.

[/FONT]

 

[brady1446]

Random question, but I've never been able to work out why Virgin Blue uses the code "DJ", instead of say "VB"? I know V Australia uses "VA", so why not "VB" for Virgin Blue?

Virgin Australia acquired or used to be called DISCO. So DJ was a play on that.

 

[jukebox333]

Virgin Australia acquired or used to be called DISCO. So DJ was a play on that.

...a 7-inch 45, at 100 b.p.m. no doubt (for those who remember these things!)