The Virgin Blue Group of Airlines (VBA) Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti has announced the first phase of the Group’s network review. Notably, Borghetti said that Pacific Blue would expand as an international medium-haul airline with operations across the Tasman, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia—but would cease flying New Zealand domestic routes to do so.
The airline will redeploy its New Zealand-based aircraft to trans-Tasman and medium haul international routes. "Guests holding forward bookings on New Zealand domestic routes from October 18 onward will be provided with re-accommodation and refund options," Borghetti said in a statement. He added that growing capacity on trans-Tasman routes was a positive step that would see an increase in New Zealand-based staff.
"By restructuring our Pacific Blue operations we are now able to free up our long haul V Australia aircraft to capture the growing demand for travel to the USA," he said. "By year-end, V Australia will be fully devoted to international long haul business more suited to the B777 fleet, with Fiji serviced by Pacific Blue."
For more information, visit www.virginblue.com.au.