Virgin Blue has announced new strategies to attract corporate and government travellers,, whish include online check-in service, and a 40 per cent increase in its marketing team.
The airline, which is currently 62 per cent owned by Patrick Corp and the subject of considerable potential ownership activity, has secured 35% of the Australian market since it began flying five years ago.
It is now seeking to increase its average revenue per seat by attracting more business travellers to sustain growth, offset the effects of soaring fuel prices and be seen as a less of as budget airline.
More new offerings are on the way, moving it significantly away from the its traditional no frills model, with the industry questioning if this move will affect its core business model and profitability.
Virgin Blue continues to face stiff competition at both ends of its market from Qantas, and the Qantas owned low-cost rival Jetstar.
