NZ to DPS

Air New Zealand have launched their first new international route in years with a seasonal Denpasar route.

The new flights will operate twice weekly on the AKL-DPS route, with Boeing 767-319ER aircraft.  The flights launch on June 20th subject to regulatory approval and will operate in the southern winter season  (June to October)

It is expected that these flights will operate under NZs Seats-to-Suit model, where passengers get to choose their own level of service by the price they pay, from seat only to works deluxe which includes all food, baggage and lounge access.

Qantas raise surcharge

Qantas have blamed fuel price increases and the European & Australian carbon taxes for rises in its surcharge of up to 24% on International and Domestic flights.

The airline announced today that it will increase surcharges for one-way international flights by as much as $60. That means the total surcharge for a one-way flight to the US will be $310, while those to the UK and Germany will amount to $350.
Qantas has also put on an extra charge of $20 for flights to Asia and Hawaii – taking the total surcharge to $165 – and $40 for flights to South America and South Africa (taking it to $240).

 Qantas subsidiaries Jetstar and QantasLink will also raise their fares to counter the carbon tax which is expected to cost the Qantas group as much as $110-115M in the 2012/13 financial year.

Read more about the rises at theage.com.au HERE

Talofa Virgin Samoa, farewell Pacific Blue and V Australia

Effective today Wednesday 7-December-2011 Polynesian Blue will now be known as Virgin Samoa.  The Polynesian Blue aircraft Boeing 737-8FE ZK-PBF Tapu'itea is being painted in Virgin Samoa colours and will be fitted with the upgraded interior for entry into service in early 2012.

The major difference in the livery other than the name will be the engine scheme which features the Virgin Samoa tatau.

Also today V Australia and Pacific Blue adopt the Virgin Australia brand.  The V Australia aircraft have started to undergo the re branding process, while the Pacific Blue aircraft are expected to undergo the repainting process next year.

Read more from the Virgin Australia Blog HERE or check out virginsamoa.com