Australia's Virgin Blue has named its planned long-haul carrier "V Australia".
The new airline is due to launch services in November next year to the US West Coast from Australia's east coast, after which services are expected to be launched to the US East Coast. Destinations have not yet been revealed.
Virgin Blue says V Australia's name was selected from 5,942 entries in a "Name the Airline" competition. It says some of the "especially creative suggestions" included "Randy Roo Airlines", "Choo Choo Flying Big Blue" and "Pineapple Airlines".
Virgin Blue has also secured Australian government traffic rights for 10 weekly Boeing 777-300ER services to the USA and it is seeking a US Department of Transport exemption and foreign air carrier permit.
Destinations named in its US application include Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.
V Australia's aircraft livery will feature silver for the fuselage and a red tail with the stars of the Southern Cross and elements of the Australian flag. The carrier plans to operate purchased 777-300ERs, which it ordered from Boeing earlier this year.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
