Tony 1 Report post Posted March 2, 2010 I'm sure this is no longer "news" for some of us now, but for those who didn't get a chance to read the news today, here it is. News quote from SMH.com.au. Virgin Blue's CEO Bretty Godfrey had announced, some time in 2009, his plan to step down from his role before the end of 2010. They then started searching for potentials, and just this morning it was announced that former Qantas EGM Sales and Marketing, John Borghetti, will be taking over the reins as of May 8th. Times ahead will no doubt be interesting for us working in the industry as well as for the travelling public. Hopefully a rebranding exercise some time into the near future? Branson cheers Virgin's Borghetti scoopMATT O'SULLIVAN March 2, 2010 - 10:44AM British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson admitted today that he was ''quietly pleased'' when John Borghetti was overlooked for the top job at Qantas in 2008. Ending months of speculation about the heir apparent, Virgin Blue confirmed today that Qantas's former third-in-charge will replace its long-time boss, Brett Godfrey, on May 8, in what shapes up to be a major challenge to its key rival in Australia. Sir Richard, whose Virgin Group has a 26 per cent stake in Australia's second-largest airline, told BusinessDay today that ''John's name just came up time and time again'' during the seven-month search for a replacement for Mr Godfrey. ''We were quietly pleased when he didn't get Dixon's job at Qantas,'' Sir Richard said. ''The board universally felt that if we could get him on board, we could have the best person out there who is available.'' Sir Richard said Mr Borghetti had ''huge experience ... and tremendous sales and marketing background. He really understands the Virgin brand. We are very happy to have him on board.'' Virgin Blue's chairman, Neil Chatfield, said today that Mr Borghetti, a 36-year veteran of Qantas, was the right person to lead the airline ''through the next phase of its evolution'' because of his deep aviation experience and proven strategic capabilities. Mr Borghetti, the 54-year-old who was overlooked for the top job at Qantas in 2008 in favour of Alan Joyce, said Virgin Blue was in good shape ''and exceptionally well placed to build on its strengths and embrace revenue growth opportunities ahead''. His experience in running Qantas's airline business could help Virgin Blue's stalled efforts to capture a larger chunk of the high-yielding business market from Australia's largest airline. Although the broad terms of Mr Borghetti's employment have ben agreed, various terms of the incentive components of his remuneration are still be be finalised. Mr Borghetti has been pursing his own business interests - including joining the board of US aircraft manufacturer Piper Aircraft - since leaving Qantas last May, and industry insiders say he is a logical choice because of his understanding of the travel market. The former third-in-charge at Qantas has been rumoured to be a likely contender since Mr Godfrey announced in July last year that he would leave Virgin Blue. The non-compete clause in Mr Borghetti's contract with Qantas expired on November 1. The announcement of a replacement will be a relief for investors and staff, who have had to endure months of uncertainty about who will chart a new course for the airline. Fortunately for Mr Borghetti, Virgin Blue appears to have largely overcome the worst of the downturn in air travel. The airline hired executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles before Mr Godfrey publicly announced his resignation in July, and last month the board shortlisted about three candidates. Heidrick & Struggles also conducted a search for Qantas in 2008 to find a replacement for its former boss, Geoff Dixon. Mr Godfrey has played a large role in vetting the applicants. The board is known to rely heavily on the co-founder's extensive knowledge of the airline and the aviation market. Andy Harrison, the boss of British no-frills airline easyJet, was also seen as outside chance for the top job. Mr Harrison is due to leave easyJet at the end of June. Virgin Blue last week posted a better-than-expected profit in the first half of $62.5 million, compared with a loss of $101 million for the same period in 2008. Mr Borghetti will take the reins on May 8. Shares in Virgin Blue were little changed in early trading, gaining half a cent to 63.5 cents. mosullivan@smh.com.au SMH Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sing Yew 1 Report post Posted March 3, 2010 New boss for you Tony. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pieter C. 5 Report post Posted June 30, 2010 Virgin Blue's restructuring to be more extensive than previously revealed June 22, 2010 Australia's Virgin Blue is planning to change its name, introduce a business class and operate domestic routes with larger aircraft in a bid to become a more potent, direct competitor to Qantas, according to sources at the Brisbane-based carrier. The proposed revamp will be presented to the airline's board this week. New CEO John Borghetti envisions taking Virgin Blue from a low-fares-only airline to one that offers all seating classes, the sources said. The shakeup is designed to position it for a head-to-head battle with QF for a significant stake in the Australian business passenger market. The major changes being contemplated go well beyond the restructuring Borghetti unveiled earlier this month. Blue had planned to offer an enhanced premium economy product, but Borghetti apparently dumped that concept and now is committed to what company officials are calling a "business class for today." The move coincides with an upgrade in the reservation system that will allow the airline to reward its frequent flyers better and work with major carriers such as Singapore Airlines. Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation Chairman Peter Harbison commented that Blue's premium economy "hasn't worked" because there is no clear distinction between it and the rest of the cabin. "They have to do something to lift yield," he said yesterday. "Fundamentally, Virgin Blue's premium economy is failing to wrest corporate and business travel away from the Qantas Group, leaving Virgin Blue at the bloody low end of the market." Borghetti's preferred new name for the carrier is believed to be Virgin Australia, which would bring Virgin Blue, V Australia and Pacific Blue under one brand. Until now, an agreement between Virgin Atlantic Airways and its 49% stakeholder SIA has prevented the Virgin Blue name from being used outside Australia. Sources in Brisbane confirm that several Virgin Blue aircraft already are scheduled for repainting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pieter C. 5 Report post Posted June 30, 2010 Virgin Blue To Integrate Long-Haul Airline June 30, 2010 Australia's second-largest airline Virgin Blue plans to shake up its management structure as it seeks to double its share of the domestic business-class market and take on dominant player Qantas. New chief executive John Borghetti said on Wednesday he planned to integrate Virgin Blue's long-haul offshoot V Australia into the main company under a new management structure. He also unveiled plans to increase his senior executive team from six to eight under changes outlined in a memo to staff on Wednesday. The changes by Borghetti, who was once in the running for the top job at Qantas, were part of a wider plan to increase competition with its rival in business travel and reposition Virgin Blue away from its roots as a budget airline. Borghetti was also looking at cutting the carrier's premium economy class to put in full business-class seating as well as update the airline's cabins and uniforms, two airline sources said. He also wanted to double his airline's share of the business-class market to 20 percent, the sources added. "The new CEO has a clear strategy of restructuring and repositioning Virgin Blue in the domestic context - however it will take at least six months to determine whether this approach is likely to be successful," Macquarie analyst Russell Shaw said in a recent note to clients. Under the changes outlined in the memo, management of Virgin Blue and V Australia's operations would come under the same executive. Previously, both the airlines were managed separately. The airline's commercial chief Liz Savage would also oversee network management under the changes, while V Australia would be integrated into the airline's operations division under Andrew David, the memo said. "It will increase accountability, remove duplication and create greater integration across our domestic and international network," Borghetti said in the memo. Qantas' former head of government and international relations Jane McKeon, who was poached this week, would be in charge of government relations under the changes. A new executive position was also created to focus on products and guest services as the airline seeks to step up its image in the business-class market. Borghetti, who spearheaded a revamp of Qantas' first and business-class lounges in his previous role is known to have a passion for fast cars and expensive suits. As well as poaching McKeon, Qantas' head of domestic pricing and yield Will Owens had also left to work for Virgin Blue, three airline sources said. Competition is fierce in Australia's small domestic aviation market which is dominated by Qantas and its low-cost offshoot Jetstar which together have a 65 percent market share. Singapore-listed budget carrier Tiger Airways has also stirred up the local aviation market with the introduction of cut-price fares aimed at the country's leisure travel market. However, some analysts warned Borghetti faced an uphill battle mustering sufficient resources to take on Qantas. Figures out Wednesday showed Qantas passenger numbers rose 5.6 percent in May compared to a year ago. Passenger numbers were up 7.6 percent for the financial year so far. Virgin Blue's passenger numbers rose 4.6 percent across its domestic and international operations in May and 1.5 percent for the financial year to date. British billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Group owns a 25 percent stake in Virgin Blue. (Reuters) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eugene Koh 4 Report post Posted February 23, 2011 Hi all, Regarding Virgin Blue's Airbus A330. Is this bought brand new or lease, if so who's the lessor. And is it a 200 series or 300? Appreciate the info, many thanks. Best, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JuliusWong 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2011 Both A330-243s are ex-EK. A6-EAB and A6-EAC will be re-registered as VH-XFA and VH-XFB respectively. Lease ended with EK. (Source:http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Airbus/A330/365,VH-XFA-Virgin-Blue.php) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JuliusWong 0 Report post Posted February 23, 2011 For more reading: this just came out few hours back. http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20110223/pdf/41wyyh3mshtl5s.pdf Like the new J class. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamizi Hj Tamby 1 Report post Posted February 23, 2011 Wonder how the plane looks like in Virgin Blue livery Anyhow,congratulations to them on the acquisition of 2 A332s Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pieter C. 5 Report post Posted February 23, 2011 ATW reported this morning the E170's of Virgin Blue will be replaced by AT7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JuliusWong 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2011 ATW reported this morning the E170's of Virgin Blue will be replaced by AT7 Yeap yeap. The topic is debated now in airliners.net. The ATR 72s are leased through Skywest which currently only operates F-100s. E170 is too leave the fleet by end of the year as its operational cost is almost similar to turboprop for its size and range. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
S V Choong 4 Report post Posted February 24, 2011 (edited) Both A330-243s are ex-EK. A6-EAB and A6-EAC will be re-registered as VH-XFA and VH-XFB respectively. Lease ended with EK. (Source:http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Airbus/A330/365,VH-XFA-Virgin-Blue.php) Now that explained why the new business class looks suspiciously similar to EK's business class! Photos here: http://www.virginblue.com.au/Personal/changingthegame/index.htm?CMP=EMC-ProductNews24Feb11&attr=VBgame Edited February 24, 2011 by S V Choong Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JuliusWong 0 Report post Posted February 24, 2011 DJ is also panning to introduce J class on domestic B738 as well. New aircraft, new network, new crew uniform, new lounges, new interline partnership with other airlines, more to come..one word: WOW!! DJ is really trying hard to hit hard on Qantas! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
S V Choong 4 Report post Posted February 24, 2011 ATW reported this morning the E170's of Virgin Blue will be replaced by AT7 Surprisingly, DJ utilises the E-170 on the high density MEL-SYD route as well. I was on a DJ E-170 the other day and it was the first flight out to SYD for the day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ignatius 4 Report post Posted February 25, 2011 All these is good news for spotters... Let's just hope the 330's are not operating at night. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Isaac 0 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 Virgin Australia Now You're Flying Commercial Come to think of it, MAS new livery actually looks very nice, classy even Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ignatius 4 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 It looks simple and elegant in my opinion,, just like APPLE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
S V Choong 4 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 Love the new name but love V Australia's livery better. Glad I have taken all their airlines down under - Virgin Blue, V Australia, Polynesian Blue and Pacific Blue. Wonder what is going to happen to VA's B777-300ERs! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JuliusWong 0 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 Virgin Blue gets a new name http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/virgin-blue-gets-a-new-name-20110504-1e7ku.html ........"one of the worst-kept secrets in Australian aviation." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johan Z 0 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 Virgin Australia Now You're Flying Commercial Come to think of it, MAS new livery actually looks very nice, classy even I agree, not sure about the massive Virgin word at tail. Overall livery seems out of whack :facepalm: They should have followed VS livery, slick and classy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kenneth Chong WT 0 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 Virgin come with really interesting and striking TV ads, any chance of AK or MH coming up with one....their ads are always so chic and modern! The new female cabin crew uniform looks real nice and practical...I LIKE! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 (edited) From Bernama: MELBOURNE, May 4 (Bernama)-- Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd has launched the Virgin Australia brand, to eventually replace the existing three brands, as the airline aims to capture a larger slice of the business travel market. Virgin Australia was launched in Sydney today by Sir Richard Branson and chief executive John Borghetti, with new colours, uniforms and services. "We're planning to have the best domestic business class," Branson is reported by the Australian Associated Press as telling the launch at Sydney Airport. "We will continue to offer competitive economy class fares," he added. Virgin Blue is aiming to increase its share of the business market in Australia, currently dominated by Qantas Airways Ltd, to raise the yield on the flights it offers. The airline needs to increase profitability, after saying in March that it would report a full-year loss because of rising fuel prices, the Christchurch earthquake and flooding and Cyclone Yasi in Queensland. It is expected to report a full-year pre-tax loss of A$30 million to A$80 million. Virgin Blue said it would spend A$30 million to A$35 million on rebranding, new uniforms and new services. It will buy 12 to 14 new planes this year in the new all-white colour scheme with red trim. Virgin Australia will replace the existing domestic Virgin Blue brand immediately and international brands V Australia and Pacific Blue, by year-end. Branson said Virgin Australia would shake up the Australian travel market even more than when Virgin Blue was launched 10 years ago. Those of you who followed the SZB spotting thread would have seen the Virgin Australia Airbus A330-200 first. Check out Jonathan Kong's and KS Ong's hardcore spotter shot here: http://www.malaysianwings.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=15368&view=findpost&p=280899 Edited May 4, 2011 by flee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mohd Azizul Ramli 2 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 Since QF and JQ sideline KUL, I think it is very highly likely that Virgin Australia is going to fly to KUL from any of its bases. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 Not likely - Virgin Australia is only for domestic branding. Check out Will H's article here: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/03/356217/picture-virgin-australia-new-name-for-virgin-blue.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mohd Azizul Ramli 2 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 Virgin Australia will replace the existing domestic Virgin Blue brand immediately and international brands V Australia and Pacific Blue, by year-end. They wont be having any international routes? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flee 5 Report post Posted May 4, 2011 (edited) Not sure about the branding for international routes as SQ has a veto on that. SQ probably does not want its subsidiary to compete directly. However, I am sure SQ and Virgin will work out some way to accommodate each other. But this may take time to negotiate. Edited May 4, 2011 by flee Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
