Virgin Atlantic set to double Sydney-London services

Saturday, 12 Oct, 2006 0

Newly appointed Virgin Atlantic Australian GM, Jonathan Harding told The Daily Telegraph that Virgin Atlantic will be doubling its services between Sydney and London as a result of rising demand for its Premium Economy seats.

He said that the airline will expand services from 7 to 14 flights a week within the next 12 to 18 months and while Virgin has fought hard in the Qantas-dominated kangaroo route, Virgin’s Premium Economy had tapped into a fresh, expanding Aussie market.

Located in a separate cabin between Virgin’s economy and Upper Class, for an extra $400 to $500 on a Hong Kong return, Premium Economy offers cost-conscious business travellers and leisure travellers the opportunity of extra comfort, wider leather seats, champagne and priority boarding and baggage.

Mr Harding who has taken over from popular founding Virgin Atlantic GM in Sydney, Mackenzie Grant, said yesterday that Premium Economy would be officially launched later this month, adding, “The Premium Economy product is unique on the route because it captures the budget-minded business traveller as well as economy passengers looking to upgrade.

Before being appointed to the Sydney based GM role, Mr Harding ran Virgin’s operations in Tokyo and he re-affirmed Richard Branson’s desire to remain on the kangaroo route by saying, “I was told to set myself up in Sydney for the long haul, because Richard fought for 20 years to get in here so he is very committed to its future.” “It’s no secret that our rivals tried to keep us out of the market so we’re desperate to get from one flight a day from Sydney to two to further cement the Virgin Atlantic brand in Australia.”

Report by The Mole

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John Alwyn-Jones

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