Virgin Australia brand takes off in New Zealand

The first Virgin Australia-branded aircraft commenced flying New Zealand skies today; featuring a new interior design and the white, red and silver Virgin Australia livery.

Since May last year, Virgin Australia has been implementing a new look and feel across all of its airlines as it repositions as a contemporary and dynamic airline, designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers.

Virgin Australia officially relaunched its former New Zealand-based airline Pacific Blue, under the new brand on 7 December 2011, with initiatives including: new Virgin Australia signage at key international ports, new-look travel documents and one consolidated Virgin Australia website and Guest Contact Centre for domestic and international operations.

The launch of the newly designed aircraft today represents the next phase of the transformation.

“Flying under the Virgin Australia name enables us to tap into the huge power of the Virgin brand around the world – a brand that signifies style, innovation, quality, value for money and the best service,” Virgin Australia (NZ) Chief Executive Officer, Mark Pitt, said.

“The new identity has been designed with a contemporary look and feel that encapsulates our company’s repositioning as the airline of choice for all market segments. Now that our international airlines are all operating under the Virgin brand, our focus has been on rolling out the new product in the air to ensure a first-rate travel experience across all of our airlines.”

Product enhancements introduced under the new brand complement increased customer benefits already being delivered through Virgin Australia’s trans-Tasman alliance with Air New Zealand.

“We have a strong commitment to the New Zealand and Pacific Island markets and our alliance with Air New Zealand now allows us to offer up to 230 return trans-Tasman flights per week,” Mr Pitt said.

Virgin Australia’s trans-Tasman alliance with Air New Zealand offers customers on either carrier:

• Reciprocal Frequent Flyer programmes that cover both airlines’ trans-Tasman networks, enabling Airpoints and Velocity members to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on each other’s services.¹
• Reciprocal lounge access for eligible customers.²
• Priority seating in dedicated zones for top tier frequent flyers.
• Priority Check-in, Baggage and Boarding for Premium Guests and eligible Airpoints and Velocity members.
• Complimentary tea, coffee and water in-flight to all customers, as well as a food and beverage service for customers on relevant fare types. The new Virgin Australia food and beverage service includes a continental breakfast, lunchtime wrap or evening meal with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 

¹ Velocity membership and Points earn and redemption are subject to the Member Terms and Conditions which can be found at http://www.velocityrewards.com.au.
² Conditions apply. See website for full details – www.virginaustralia.com.