International News

Virgin Blue names new international long haul airline, V Australia

EAW Staff - Mumbai

Virgin Blue has received formal confirmation from Australia's International Air Services Commission (IASC) that it has approval to operate return non-stop services between Australia and the United States commencing late 2008.

‘V Australia’ will initially operate flights between the east coast of Australia and the west coast of the United States of America, with the first flight operated by a brand new B777-300ER launch aircraft named ‘Didgeree Blue’.

V Australia will be the fourth airline in the Virgin Blue group of airlines including domestic carrier Virgin Blue, New Zealand based airline Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue, the joint venture airline between Virgin Blue and the Government of Samoa.

Virgin Blue had put out a call to all Australians as part of a nationwide "Name the Airline" competition to help name the new international airline. The competition attracted approximately 5942 entries which included some especially creative suggestions such as Randy Roo Airlines, Choo Choo Flying Big Blue and Pineapple Airlines.

The clear favourite was eventually selected by the judges from the thousands of entries with ‘V Australia’, nominated by Teresa Manuel from Sydney, unanimously voted as the best name for the new airline. ‘Didgeree Blue’, suggested by Irene Wilson of Brisbane, was also chosen as the perfect name to grace the nosecone of V Australia's flagship and launch aircraft.

Virgin Blue Airlines group chief executive, Brett Godfrey, said, "We had an amazing response to help name the airline and V Australia stood out among the entries. It is nice and simple, easily recognised, both understated and obvious and has a clear Australian identity."

V Australia has also applied for permission from the United States Government to commence services in November 2008 and is continuing its progress with the development of its launch route network, product and fare structure.