By Leithen Francis in Singapore
Virgin Blue has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for long-haul aircraft because it plans in 2008 to launch scheduled passenger services from Australia to the USA, a sector largely controlled by arch-rival Qantas.
“We are looking at all aircraft capable of operating the trans-pacific route including the Airbus A340 and Boeing 777,” says Virgin Blue, confirming that the RFP has been issued. The Boeing 737-700/800 operator adds that it is seeking “possibly up to five in the short term and more longer term”, with aircraft needed by 2008.
“We have publicly talked about our desire to be operating trans-pacific flights within two years time”, says the airline, but this depends on whether Virgin Blue secures the traffic rights needed to make the service “sustainable”.
Currently there are only traffic rights available for Virgin Blue to operate four flights a week to the US West Coast, but it is understood Australia is trying to secure a new air services agreement that would allow for more flights. Australia’s government has publicly supported Virgin Blue’s efforts to increase competition on the transpacific sector.
Singapore Airlines in recent years has tried to manoeuvre into this sector, but its appeals to the Australian government have so far failed.
Qantas and United Airlines are currently the only airlines providing non-stop passenger services from Australia to the US mainland, but there are airlines in the Pacific that offer one-stop services, such as Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui and Hawaiian Airlines.
If Virgin Blue launches services to the USA it could link up with new US domestic carrier Virgin America, which will be based in San Francisco and plans to launch by early 2007.
Source: Flight International
