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Virgin Blue Expanding Virgin Blue Airlines has taken a significant step in its plans to launch Australia’s newest international airline. This month they signed a multi-billion dollar aircraft order and confirmed that it will create over 1,100 new jobs. The order comes as Virgin Blue accelerates plans for its yet-to-be-named long haul airline operation. While routes are yet to be announced, the new international airline will initially focus on flights between Australia and the West Coast of the USA. The name of the new airline and updates on the regulatory process will be announced in the next few months.
The Fantastic Five A
recent article in the Sunday Telegraph listed five of the best frequent flyer
programs that are likely to suit the needs of most consumers. For the budget conscious Virgin Blue was recommended. The ability to redeem seats on any flight an extensive array of program partners made Virgin an attractive choice. For those after a little more luxury, Emirates was reported as having the best food, a fast-track through customs, visa-assistance and pre-assigned seating. The friendly frequent flyer should opt for Air Niugini touted as having some of the friendliness service in the world. The efficiency award went to KLM. Whilst those after highland accessibility should opt for Loganair, they are the perfect choice for the avid golfer as they offer free carriage of golfing equipment.
Unions call for inquiry Unions are demanding a parliamentary inquiry into the offshore maintenance of aircraft after a leaked report revealed serious problems with checks on Qantas planes in Singapore. The union claims that the leaked documents clearly demonstrate that the offshore maintenance is second-rate in comparison to Australian facilities. Qantas have so far denied the claims.
Guns, Drugs and Baggage Handlers Two airline baggage handlers used their employee uniforms and airport identification cards to enter restricted areas, bypass screeners and carry a duffel bag containing 14 guns and drugs on a commercial flight from Florida, according to court documents. A tip to the Orlando Police Department from an anonymous person led authorities to investigate the men aboard the Delta flight headed for Puerto Rico. Thomas Anthony Munoz, 22, was arrested when he got off the plane at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan. Inside the duffel bag he was carrying, authorities found 13 handguns, one assault rifle and eight clear bags containing a total of 8 pounds of marijuana.
Virgin Green? Virgin Blue are the latest company to jump on the ‘climate change’ bandwagon. Virgin Blue has vowed to reduce their aircraft emissions by up to 5% per aircraft by 2008. Virgin’s campaign vows to help address climate change by reducing aircraft fuel emissions and the development of new technologies such as fuels and airframes that will improve efficiency. Virgin Blue already owns Australia’s youngest fleet of fuel efficient New Generation 737 aircraft, which improve fuel efficiency through technological and operational enhancements such as the installation of winglets, reducing aircraft weight, and improved flight planning.
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