Virgin Blue and Virgin Atlantic to BOTH open SYD base 2005

[QF skywalker]

Heard from a reliable source today that Virgin Blue in it's own right will be opening up a Sydney cabin crew base sometime this year and also that Virgin Atlantic will be opening up a SYD base for it long haul operations once HKG-SYD flights on the A340-600 commence later in the year or early 2005.


That is great news for DJ crew wanting to transfer across to Virg Atlantic and also great news for those f/a wannabe's out there ! Plenty more jobs are coming !

Apparently the DJ to Virg Atlantic exchange program will continue also.

[SydGirl]

Sounds very exciting skywalker. Let's hope that your source is accurate!

SG
:)

[Mr Seatback 2]

Knew about the VS crew base rumour, but not about the DJ one - fingers crossed both come true for anyone interested!

Re: DJ to VS transfers - whilst the exchange program will continue in earnest, I have it on good information (from the same person who told me about VS setting up in SYD two months ago) that DJ crew WILL NOT automatically transfer to VS just because they are Virgin.

This, apparently, is because Virgin Blue and Virgin Atlantic are two totally different airlines (one budget, the other high-end product). The feeling in management is that in working for DJ you may not necessarily be able to provide the level of service expected of a Flight Attendant operating in Upper Class, for example.

Not my words, just the words from someone who actually works for them. Whether or not this occurs come recruitment time remains to be seen!

[exmax]

When VS finally get down here, you can bet there'll be heaps of publicity surrounding the new routes and setting up a base too if this is true.

I'm also wondering why VS would want to set up a base here, perhaps get crew to just do the syd-hkg-syd sectors only, I don't know. However if ever the whole thing goes ahead, it'll certainly be interesting that's for sure!!;)

[Mr Seatback 2]

Word has it the crew won't be doing just SYD-HKG-SYD...it's my understanding this will form part of a wider assault by VS to include SYD-LAX to make them a true round the world airline!

Makes perfect sense, and since Australian crew traditionally cost more than their UK or US counterparts (our Agreements are among the best in the world - believe me, I've seen the pay differences!), VS would do well to get more 'bang for their buck' from any of their crew in overseas bases.

But be prepared people...don't lose your heads. VS pay their crew a base salary somewhere in the region of £9,500 - converted to AUS$ that equates to $23,400! Qantas Long Haul base salary here, as well as at Australian, is about $35,000 plus allowances. Give or take a thousand.

Remember the drama that was Lauda Air when they opened up a SYD base here (since closed, as I'm aware). $AU23,000 per year plus allowances of $AU60 per night - whereever they stayed (and that INCLUDED Vienna - where a cup of coffee (after conversion), could end up costing you $AU10).

I hope I'm wrong, and I don't want to dampen spirits - but spirits don't pay the rent people. Let's all quietly observe this one with reserved caution.

[exmax]

Thanks for that - Mr Seatback 2, your comments make for some interesting reading, I'm fairly new down here so it's interesting to read up on how the aviation industry is in Australia.

As for the SYD-LAX sector, that'd make a lot of sense, you're right, it would ensure that VS could compete against current airlines operating that same route and tie in with onward connections to London.

If I need any info, I'll come to you!!:O

[Mr Seatback 2]

VS are apparently really keen for the SYD-LAX sector...once they've started flying from Oz...but we all know Branson...run before you can walk!

Then again - The Minister for Qantas (oops...surely I mean Transport!) may not grant them the rights - we'll have to see who wins in this one! Between VS and SQ fighting tooth and nail to start flying SYD-LAX, it will be interesting to see who wins first!

[Bob Upndown]

VS may be keen to introduce SYD-LAX but their AOC currently won't allow that. If the plan is to get the AOC amended, then who knows...............!

[Bodum]

Considering SQ have been trying for more years than I care to mention to get rights on SYD-LAX, I wont be holding my breath on this one :rolleyes:

Doesnt make any sense to me for VS to set up a base here. If it made sense to anyone BA would have done it years ago. Calm down everyone ;)

[peanut pusher]

Sir Dick told us he was going to be here by christmas mid last year.
Then he told us that he was planning flying the concorde here, after people pointed out you can't fly supersonic over land and 80% LHR/SYD is over land, tickets would workout at around $35,000 each way with a few stops for fuel thrown in.
Last year he was going to be flying 737-700's to Singapore & Bali & Fiji by the end of November.
Nothing been mentioned lately about that one !!!

[xyz_pilot]

If Australian longhaul crew are in general more expensive than crews from the UK VS will night stop UK boys and girls. It will be a very popular nightstop, or even more popular as a short-term posting. I know BA did posting for pilots some years ago, don’t know what they did with the cabin crew.

If RB can get Australian boys and girls on the very cheep it will be a whole different story!!!

[rescue 1]

I would have thought that they would open a New Zealand base.

Its working well for both VirginBlue and Qantas right now!