V AUSTRALIA NOW FLYING FROM LAX

By Michael Hepworth

To say that Richard Branson is a master of self publicity is a massive understatement, and the Virgin boss pulled of another PR coup in Los Angeles this month. He flew in on the brand new Boeing 777-300ER and proceeded to dance on the wing with a bottle of champagne in hand to launch the new service to Sydney and Brisbane in Australia .  He also used the opportunity to announce future flights to Melbourne , and mayor Villaragosa was lapping it up, as Branson presented him with an Australian hat which he had to wear for the publicity shots.

  Dismissing any talk of a recession, Branson had picked up the keys for the 360 seat aircraft named “Didgeree Blue” himself in Seattle that very morning. The celebrations continued in Australia following the stopover in Los Angeles , with the arrival of the Yolgnu people, official keepers of the Didgeridoo.  The new airline plans to take on Quantas head on, in very much the same braggadocio style that Branson used in his lengthy dogfight with British Airways. With a very low introductory price for economy, V Australia boasts a list of features on the plane, highlighted by the two in-flight ‘V Bars’.

With three levels of service from International Economy, International Premium Economy and International Kings and Queens Business Class, there is a choice for all levels. On Economy, the seats are the Pacific’s widest with a 3-3-3 seat plan, and on the Premium Economy, there are lots of extras such as the private work station and non stop wine, beer and soft drinks.  The Business Class offers 77 inch legroom, duvets, pillows and pajamas, and unlimited selection of gourmet foods served on Narumi china. There is mood lighting throughout the 33 seat cabin and priority check in and boarding.

Virgin Blue chief executive Brian Godfrey summed up the excitement at Virgin. “The delivery of this aircraft has been a much anticipated moment for the entire V Australia team as it represents a step towards our goal to launch a brand new contemporary international airline for Australia .”

Website: www.vaustralia.com

Phone: 1-800-444-0260