Does anyone know when Virgin will expand it's business class offering for Trans-Tasman flights?
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AwaywithMike
AwaywithMike
Member since 23 Jun 2011
Total posts 50
Does anyone know when Virgin will expand it's business class offering for Trans-Tasman flights? - as I expect between NZ/VA it's just NZ Y class to AKL - on certain flights... ?!
kpkazzie
kpkazzie
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 01 Apr 2013
Total posts 63
I would suggest be wise in choosing which flights you choose. As the aircraft and business offered can significantly change. Also by expandinf what exactly do you mean. Upgrading the business class seat all together to an international standard or offering services containing more business class seats?
chrisjrn
chrisjrn
Member since 09 May 2011
Total posts 177
The answer is -- probably never. Until Air New Zealand have a good reason to offer business class, Virgin won't follow suit. It's more important to Virgin that Virgin and Air New Zealand have product consistency across the Tasman, and they're aiming where the market's willing to go -- that is, an all-economy service.
Hint: Air New Zealand *removed* business class across the Tasman 3 years ago, and they're showing no signs of looking back.
AlG
AlG
Member since 04 Nov 2010
Total posts 155
I would agree with Chrisjrn, if anybody should do it it'd be AirNZ, and if they don't, and as they are Vigin's partner, I don't expect Virgin to do so.
If Qantas got serious about trans-tasman and put 737-800s with business class on flights to Auckland we might see Virgin do the same but right now they are at a comfortable position where none of them (QF, VA or NZ) have trans-tasman business class so they can afford to 'keep the peace' and keep their costs down, and it's been proven that travellers will still travel even if all they have is economy.
In the meantime Mike if you're in Sydney or Melbourne consider the Emirates A380s which go to Auckland and back after coming in from Dubai. at least that way you can get proper actual Business Class across the pond!
chrisjrn
chrisjrn
Member since 09 May 2011
Total posts 177
Al, Qantas *already* fly 737-800s with business class on all of their trans-tasman routes.
JamesM
JamesM
Member since 19 Mar 2013
Total posts 11
Al, Qantas has business class to NZ, it's the same as their AU domestic business class, as mentioned in http://www.ausbt.com.au/how-to-get-true-business-class-on-flights-to-new-zealand