VA(NZ) starts to disappear

As part of the ongoing cost cutting measures announced at the AGM in November, Virgin Australia New Zealand was set to be integrated back into Virgin Australia International.

This visible signs of this began today Friday 30-January-2015 with Boeing 737-8FE ZK-PBA being struck from the New Zealand register.

ZK-PBA operated her final flight under NZ rego as VA161 from Auckland to Brisbane last night Thursday 29-January-2015 before entering the Virgin Australia hangar to cross over to the Australian register.

ZK-PBA began life as VH-VOO and it is possible that she may return to that registration.

Reports suggest that the remaining 9 Virgin 738s will all cross to the Australian register by March ending almost 10 years of Pacific Blue/Virgin Australia aircraft on the New Zealand register.

ZK-PBA seen in CHC in 2008 when Pacific Blue operated NZ domestic services © nzompilot

Virgin now 60% owner of TT

  

Virgin Australia has now completed its 60% acquisition of Tigerair which was first announced in October last year.

The deal, which was announced on October 30 last year, will see Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti become chairman of Tigerair to lead the low-cost carrier’s revitalisation.

The aim is to grow Tigerair to become a sustainable and respected budget carrier within Australia.  It is still not confirmed what the final fleet size will be as when the take over was announced Borghetti said the fleet would grow to 35 aircraft by 2018, but in later statements said this may not in fact be the case.

Read more on the competed acquisition via Australian Aviation HERE

Aviation Facebook groups/pages

Most people these days have a presence on facebook and for the local aviation community it is no different, here are 2 pages and 2 groups I follow, which I think you will also like.

Self-Confessed Aerosexual

I may be a little biased towards this page as it was set up by my mate Daz and I'm an Admin on it, but its a great place to share your aviation photo's and chill with like minded Avgeeks

YBBN Spotters Group

As the name suggests this is a page which showcases the photos of Brisbane spotters, its run by amazing photographer Lance assisted by Tim, Mike & Adam

Aircraft Spotters Brisbane

This is another Brisbane based spotters group showcasing notable movements through Brisbane, it is run by prolific aviation figure Michael Dawson

Australian Aircraft Spotters Group

This is another of the groups run by Michael and covers spotting and notable movements throughout Australia

ACCC give conditional approval to QF/EK alliance

The ACCC has conditionally approved the tie up between Qantas and Emirates.

The two airlines had been seeking a ten year alliance to operate flights from Australia, Europe & Africa through the Dubai hub, joint marketing in intertwining the two frequent flyer programs and reciprocal access to lounges and priority benefits.  However one of the conditions imposed in the ACCC ruling is this deal will only be approved for five years.

In handing down his decision, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said "The considers that the alliance is likely to result in material, although not substantial, benefits to Australian consumers."
Sims pointed out that while "the alliance is likely to result in some public detriments through its effect on competition where Qantas and Emirates currently offer overlapping services. In most of these regions there are factors which are likely to mitigate the public detriment, including continuing competition from a number of established airlines."
The ACCC also flagged a potential drawback for trans-Tasman travellers, saying that "on overlapping routes between Australia and New Zealand the ACCC is concerned that the alliance may have an increased ability and incentive to reduce or limit growth in its capacity in order to raise airfares. Therefore, the ACCC is proposing a condition to restrict the ability of the alliance in this regard."

Now that the ACCC has given draft approval for Australian flights all eyes are being turned towards New Zealand transport minister Gerry Brownlee who will decide if Qantas & Emirates are able to form an alliance on the trans-tasman network.

Read more on the ACCCs decision and how it will impact Qantas, Emirates and travelers from any of the following sources
Brisbane Times HERE
Australian Business Traveller HERE, HERE or HERE
Australian Aviation HERE