Virgin Australia’s new Trans-Tasman services

May 25, 2018

Virgin Australia will make a range of changes to its Trans-Tasman services, including new routes and increased frequency into key markets.

From 28 October 2018, Virgin Australia will offer up to four flights per week between Melbourne and Queenstown, becoming the only airline to offer Business Class on the Melbourne-Queenstown route.  Virgin Australia will also change the schedule of Auckland-Melbourne route with an increase of up to double daily every day.

Virgin Australia Airlines Group Executive Rob Sharp said: “Virgin Australia is upping its game on the Tasman… As well as increasing frequency on key routes from Auckland, we have also improved the timing of some of our New Zealand flights to better suit the needs of both leisure and business travellers. Our entry into the Melbourne-Queenstown market will bring some much-needed competition to the premium leisure sector, with Virgin Australia the only airline to offer Business Class on this route. Virgin Australia also offers other unique products such as Economy X featuring extra legroom and priority benefits.” 

Virgin Australia will operate a modern fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the Melbourne-Queenstown route, featuring: 

• Eight leather Business Class seats in a 2-2 configuration;
• Business Class food and beverage menus designed by resident chef Luke Mangan;
• Virgin Australia Entertainment streamed to passengers’ own devices;
• Amenity kits featuring Hunter Lab products exclusive to Virgin Australia (on select flights).
• Economy X, which offers up to 40 percent more legroom, preferred overhead locker space and priority boarding.