VB A330's

[Greg Hyde]

Any news of the two ex-Emirates A330 expected to enter service with VB next month ?

[Nigel C]

Yep, Bay 40 at T2 and some changes to Foxtrot 5 and 6 have been remarked for them, and some minor road realignments are in place.

[Chris W]

F5 and 6 were closed last night (or was it the night prior?) for line marking in time for the 330s. I am assuming they will go nose facing north (or diagonally) from B4/G. I dont know if they are deep enough to park nose facing east. Nige?

[Nigel C]

The Fox 5/6 markings were to provide sufficient space behind Bay 40 I believe. There are no plans as far as I'm aware to park A330's on F5/6.

[Chris W]

Ah, makes sense now. Very good news thank you!

[James Smith]

The registrations of the VB A332's, according to World Airline Fleets News, will be VH-FXA (ex A6-EAB) & FXB (ex A6-EAC).

[Tim Bowrey]

Slight adjustment there James, VH-XFA will be the first one.

http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Airbus/A330/365,VH-XFA-Virgin-Blue.php

[James Smith]

Thanks Tim for the correction. I thought it must have been my dyslexia but on rechecking, the magazine recorded the registrations as FX_. I thought it funny that there would be early alphabet registrations still available.

[Nigel C]

F5 and 6 were closed last night (or was it the night prior?) for line marking in time for the 330s. I am assuming they will go nose facing north (or diagonally) from B4/G. I dont know if they are deep enough to park nose facing east. Nige?


Just to add to this, the Fox5/6 stop bar markings have been moved further east, and the equipment storage areas have been modified accordingly. I didn't have a good look, but I presume the apron roadway either will be or has been realigned slightly to the east behind Bay F5/6 as well to accommodate the wing span of the A330.

The A330 will use the current alignment on Bay 40 that B737's and E-Jets use. The swing line from the Dom-3 centreline looks to have been altered to allow for a wider turn onto the bay, and a new lead-in line from Twy Golf has been added to keep the A330's off Bravo-4 which is now restricted to 36m wingspan aircraft.

Make sense?

[Greg Hyde]

thanks for for info.

Any idea when they are due to arrive in oz ?

[Chris W]

Make sense?

Does indeed, thanks!

[Radi K]

arrive in the next few weeks.

[Shayne G]

It would of been good to see the A330's in Virgin Blue's current livery. :D

[Leon H]

Can anyone shed light on when augural flight will be (date/flight no?)

[Will H]

Official word is some unspecified time in May, but you really have to wonder if they won't deploy the aircraft earlier. It only took V Aus a few weeks to get the 777 in commercial service, and that was a new type for the Aus registry. A330, not so. With the first A330 due to arrive early next month, it will have twice as much pre-service time as the 777.

[Jack B]

Will all Cabin Crew be required to undergo training to be endorsed on the A332, or will they only have the option open to those who wish to?

Will the DJ training centres need to receive a full Airbus mock up, or just doors?

[Brian Wilkes]

Word around the traps is that the A332 crew will do a few training flights on the aircraft like they did with V'z 773's when they first came on line!

[Cam T]

1st arrival is now on the ground at Tullamarine parked at the JHAS hangars. Might be able to get some shots through the fence on Operations Rd.

[Greg Hyde]

did you notice which one it was ?

[Michael Mak]

Is the aircraft painted with the interim livery or all white?

[Brock Little]

All white Michael.

[Michael Mak]

Thanks Brock :)

[Cam T]

did you notice which one it was ?

VH-XFA. Still all white.

[Tim Bowrey]

Here it landing in MEL on delivery. Callsign was XFA

[Bernie P]

For a minute there Tim, I thought it had 'Tim Bowrey' decals on it!!! :D :D

[Kieran Wells]

lol... I did too... Imagine it...

Tim Bowrey Airlines....

[Russell D]

I am currently on the 10th floor of the UNSW Library looking out towards Botany Bay and the YSSY.

As I type, there is what appears to be an all-white A330 touching down on rwy 34L. I assume this is the new VB A330?

[Tim Bowrey]

I am currently on the 10th floor of the UNSW Library looking out towards Botany Bay and the YSSY.

As I type, there is what appears to be an all-white A330 touching down on rwy 34L. I assume this is the new VB A330?

Adagold leased A340-300(OY-KBM) Russ doing DRW-SYD-BNE. I doubt i'd be on the computer if it was coming :P

[Jayden Laing]

Its "Aussie 11" (OY-KBM) due in from Darwin:)

Beat me to it Tim!!!

[Shayne G]

I think you may of confused it with the RAAF A343 which is all white and is due in right about now.





EDIT: WOW!...

[Russell D]

Thanks guys. As I type once more it's just lined up and waiting rwy 34L and this time I can clearly see the four engines.

Ohh, looks like its rolling...and liftoff just as I hit the post button :D

[Bob C]

Hi Shayne

The RAAF does not operate A343s.

Adagold however does lease one which is chartered by the ADF from time to time.

[Shayne G]

Hi Shayne

The RAAF does not operate A343s.




Yeah I know, sort of thought it was operating for the RAAF instead of the ADF, but I was just refering to the all white A340 as i forgot it's rego :o

[Darren T.]

Hopefully the weather is fine tomorrow morning.

[Jason H]

VH-XFA will operating a 'proving' flight on Thursday May 5 departing SYD at 1400 for PER. Somewhere enroute, it will divert then to SYD, arriving at 1900.

Does anyone know when the aircraft will be painted, or when the livery will be revealed?

[Bernie P]

Does anyone know when the aircraft will be painted, or when the livery will be revealed?

NOT to be pedantic, but this question has been asked, and answered to death... There is NO date yet, nor is there any indication as to what the new livery is... Can't we all just wait??

[Brian Wilkes]

It's still all white!

[Radi K]

I have heard its going to Malaysia to get painted and get the new seats installed before it goes into service SYD-PER

The second one will fly direct to Malaysia from Dubai for fit out and painting.

[Radi K]

VH-XFA will operating a 'proving' flight on Thursday May 5 departing SYD at 1400 for PER. Somewhere enroute, it will divert then to SYD, arriving at 1900.


Not 100 percent correct.

[Bernie P]

I have heard its going to Malaysia to get painted and get the new seats installed before it goes into service SYD-PER

The second one will fly direct to Malaysia from Dubai for fit out and painting.

I also heard/read it was to go to CHC (or has that been changed since the earthquake?)...

[Jason H]

Radi, this is the information I received, can you tell me what is actually happening?

[Jaryd stock]

NOT to be pedantic, but this question has been asked, and answered to death... There is NO date yet, nor is there any indication as to what the new livery is... Can't we all just wait??

Bernie didn't you see the brand new colours on the A330 today it's got a red nose white body and red tail with a flower on it....just come out of the paint shop.

[Bernie P]

I think they need to send it back, the spelling was terrible!!! :D :p

[Greg McDonald]

I think they need to send it back, the spelling was terrible!!! :D :p

Haha...beat me by the width of a Bee's d1ck!!!!:D

[Radi K]

XFA is flying MEL-SYD-ADL-MEL tomo

MEL/SYD 0915/1040

SYD/ADL 1400/1535

ADL/MEL 1550/1745

Will then be doing various flights over the next few weeks on training flights visiting MEL/SYD/ADL/PER and maybe BNE.

[Torin Wilson]

I also heard/read it was to go to CHC (or has that been changed since the earthquake?)...

CHCs paint facility is 737 size, and I get the feeling thats only just aswell. NZ has/had a painting facility at Richmond that did the 767's (pretty sure anyway)

I highly doubt the only space that would be A330 size would be used for painting.

[Brenden S]

Richmond is B767 only. I am not sure if the A332 will be able to fit.

[Cam L]

Just saw VH-XFA fly past my house on its way east. didn't get a chance to see it at the airport, but you cant miss a large white plane in our gorgeous blue skies over here in Adelaide today.

I hope someone was taking really good pics of it! Is it going to Syd or Mel? And what for? Dare i say it..........painting?????

[Jayden Laing]

It's doing ground crew training Cam. Well it was in Sydney atleast!!

[Bernie P]

Arriving:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5570337751_c81348e0bd_b.jpg

Departing:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5570338695_ef81a93ec2_b.jpg

I'd have to say, I have never seen an aircraft rotate THAT early...

[Kieran Wells]

It's doing ground crew training Cam. Well it was in Sydney atleast!!

Good to hear someone got trained! lol..

[Cam L]

It's doing ground crew training Cam. Well it was in Sydney atleast!!

oh ok. Is that like what they did with th V australia 773 when that arrived??

Not that i'm complaining but why Adelaide? We had the QF a380, the VA 777 and now the VB a330? is it just because we're close to Melb and Syd?? Coz they never use them to Adelaide again after the training flight.......

[Mark D.]

It would be in case a diversion is needed I would think. ie: SYD-PER emergency would drop in to ADL, at least the ground crew know what it is when it comes in :)

[Brock Little]

Probably because ADL is a less busy airport than SYD and MEL, and therefore can be used for touch and go training.

[Zac M]

Given the date I would say this is an April fools, but it was posted after 5pm....
http://australianaviation.com.au/2011/04/a330-reveals-first-hints-of-new-virgin-blue-livery/#comments

[Jakef]

Looks nice...
And real too.

[Lee G]

Certainly is real ... I shot it at 1130-1200 today from the mound at Sydney.

[Radi K]

Perth look out for XFA next Saturday night.

[Andrew M]

It does like like the flying lady is sticking her finger up at "another airline"

:cool::D

[Bernie P]

Certainly is real ... I shot it at 1130-1200 today from the mound at Sydney.

AND, I was there when it was SHOT!

[Nigel C]

Well, the decals didn't last long. They're gone from the nose and engine cowlings already, so they must have been only for the film shoot they've been doing for the last couple of days. It's back to being all white.

[Jakef]

Hmm that is a shame, I thought there may have been a chance we would see a whole livery leaked.
However with what you said, a film shoot, that would suggest that the main colour will be white rather than the old red because even if they were filming locally onto the one part of the aircraft they would want it to appear as the final livery will.

[Nigel C]

They've been filming the B737's too, so it's not just about the A330.

[Robert S]

Had an A330 pilot paxing next to me on the flight up from MEL today (and another was in the row behind). One of the cabin crew was asking him lots of questions as we taxied out, including about the livery which he appeared to know about, but quite rightly declined to discuss (but boy I wish they'd hurry up and get it out there - there were at least three AFL logojets in MEL today and they look horrible).

I think he said they would be doing a bit of flying around Sydney today before taking it back down to MEL tonight.

[Tim Bowrey]

I think he said they would be doing a bit of flying around Sydney today before taking it back down to MEL tonight.

She went out for a fly for about an our while doing air-to-air photos and a Learjet 35 landed shortly afterwards. It did 2 takeoffs and landings on 16R before heading off. On the second departure there was a heli flying behind and would have taken some great footage!

I am with you Rob, I cant wait to see what its going to look like!

[Kurt A]

Here she is on her third rotation today - with a 20kt headwind off RWY16R XFA was up well before 07/25.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/VH-XFAb.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/yssy_moderator/YSSY%20Stuff/VH-XFA.jpg

Last seen parked in INTL Bay 5 around 18.15 this evening.

[Erik H. Bakke]

That is an awesome shot...
I'm lost for words.

[Will H]

So they're filming a white A330 and then in post-production will add in the livery? Seems like an awful lot of work but I suppose once they announce the livery they'll want to have lots of marketing material.

[Jakef]

That could very well be the case.

[Darren T.]

Well, the decals didn't last long. They're gone from the nose and engine cowlings already, so they must have been only for the film shoot they've been doing for the last couple of days. It's back to being all white.

...no comment.

[Mark D.]

Starting to think they have NO IDEA of what they want..... How boring this has become.:rolleyes: :(

[Michael Mak]

Apparently Virgin Blue is announcing 'something' tomorrow

Source: DJ's Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/virginblue (http://www.facebook.com/virginblueIt)
It could be the new name, could be the new new menu, new routes, another sales?

[Brian Wilkes]

Yes cheap fares to Tassie:eek:

[BradR]

I'm betting tomorrow's announcement will be related to the tie-up with Fly-Buys. It was leaked to News Corp Sunday papers today so it makes sense to follow it up with the real announcement.

[Will H]

...or the Sky Interior

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/wings-down-under/2011/04/virgin-blue-gears-up-for-first-sky-interior-737.html

[Robert S]

I have to be honest, I'm really getting sick of them trying to create buzz for these non-events on their Facebook page, assuming it's either Fly Buys, New Sky Interior or both.

What gets me is that in normal circumstances it might slide, but when they know everyone's waiting for the brand and livery, these small announcements get overshadowed and become non-events. They'd almost have been better off holding over some of these things.

[Andrew M]

Yeh new "menu" big deal, still pretty poor food

They should just announce the whole lot at once, new livery, new business class etc etc.

Some may say that this staggered release just generates publicity and more talk, but none of it will change my travel plans. I am just waiting for the new business class and IFE and proper meal menus etc

Also. from the article above, it also says that "Red" the IFE used by VA and Virgin America may not be used.. That would be a big FAIL IF that is the case.

[Will H]

Fail to you or a bean counter? ;)

[Andrew M]

:cool:

Okay so the big announcement is their business class!

"We will be offering very competitive fares on the new service, bringing competition back to Business Class travel"

Priced at $10 cheaper than Qantas, I think they'll be dropping that price soon... I don't call $10 cheaper competitive....

Also no real mention of the food and in-flight service offered

SYD-PER
$1409 on Qantas
$1399 on Virgin

People who book 2 business class flights get 12 month Gold Membership as a limited time offer.

For the same price basically I'd be flying Qantas

[Will H]

Curiously they're offering $139 Y one-way fares yet those fares on the A330 flights were pulled very quickly after this morning's announcement.

I'm booked on the first service on 26 May. Anyone else coming?

[Kurt A]

BRISBANE, 4 APRIL 2011: The Virgin Blue Group of Airlines today announced that its new Airbus A330 Sydney-Perth service will commence operation on 26 May 2011, subject to regulatory approvals.

The airline revealed in February that the Airbus A330s would be the first aircraft to offer Business Class on the Virgin Blue domestic network, fitted out with stylish new designer Economy and Business cabins developed by Creative Director Hans Hulsbosch.

For the first time in almost a decade, travellers will have a choice in Business Class within the Australian domestic market. With our excellent service, luxury leather seating, 62 inch Business Class seat pitch,
multi-channel in-flight entertainment and our range of high quality meals designed by Luke Mangan, Virgin Blue’s Airbus A330 service will provide an unparalleled experience in Australian skies.

The airline will offer competitive fares on the new service, bringing competition back to Business Class travel as well as continuing to provide great value in Economy Class. Today Virgin Blue is launching special Economy Class fares from $139.00* one way booked on the internet between Sydney and Perth and, as an introductory offer for Business Class guests, we will provide complimentary limousine* transfers to and from Sydney Airport for the all inclusive price of $1399.00* one way booked on the internet between Sydney and Perth.

The schedule provides convenient departure and arrival times for corporate and leisure guests. The service commences from Sydney to Perth on 26 May 2011 with an 8.00am departure from Sydney, followed by a 1.00pm departure from Perth later that day. From July we will operate a three times daily service, providing a total of more than 33,000 seats each week between the east coast and Perth.

The Virgin Blue Airbus A330 service between Sydney and Perth is just the beginning of the roll out of the new business and Economy Class product to our domestic network.

Fare Pricing:
Business Class:
· Business Class fares commence from $1399.00* one way booked on the internet.
· For a limited time, existing Velocity members who book two return Business Class flights on the new Airbus A330 services will also receive an upgrade to Gold Velocity membership for a 12-month period*. Gold Velocity membership benefits include priority check-in at selected domestic airports; complimentary baggage allowance and membership to Virgin Blue’s Lounge.

Economy Class:
· Economy Class fares commence from $139.00* one way booked on the internet.
· Virgin Blue Guests who book before 7 April can take up a special Economy Class fare of $139.00* booked on the internet one way between Sydney and Perth for travel from 26 May to 22 June, and $158.00* booked on the internet one way for travel from 27 July to 15 September.

Airbus A330 Schedule:
From 26 May until 5 June, the A330 will operate one return daily service departing Sydney at 0800 and Perth at 1300. Between 6 June and 3 July, two return services will depart daily from Sydney at 0800 and 1730 with the return services departing Perth at 1300 and 2355. From 4 July, three return services will depart Sydney at 0800; 1730 and 2000. The return services will depart Perth at 0545, 1230 and 2355 (please note all times are local).

New Economy Class service features:
- Luxury leather seating
- Seat-back inflight entertainment
- Up to 32 inch seat pitch
- Luke Mangan on-board retail menu

New Business Class service features:
- Luxury leather seating with 62 inch pitch
- Seat-back inflight entertainment
- Entry to the Lounge
- Dedicated washroom facilities
- Daily newspapers
- Amenity kits on three+ hour flights
- Priority baggage service
- Pillows and blankets on three+ hour flights
- More carry-on baggage storage
- Luke Mangan meal service

*terms and conditions apply to fares; Limousine service and Velocity promotion Flight schedules are subject to change


-dj

[Michael Mak]

What's the flight number?

[Andrew M]

Curiously they're offering $139 Y one-way fares yet those fares on the A330 flights were pulled very quickly after this morning's announcement.

I'm booked on the first service on 26 May. Anyone else coming?



I can still see $139 Y fares on A330 flights ?

Business class already booked out for the May 26th flight

[Rob R]

Gates 39 and 40 now have A330 NIGS and stop bars.

[Jacob P]

Hey Guys,

Just booked myself on the day return should be hopefully a flight full of fanfare and such as Virgin is now famous for! Hopefully they have all the glitz and glamour on the return from PER also.

[Will H]

I can still see $139 Y fares on A330 flights ?

Business class already booked out for the May 26th flight

The $139 Y fare briefly appeared, then got pulled on all A330 flights, and now appears to be back.

Biz on 26 May still looks bookable.

I suspect with the announcement the res system went through a lot of changes, hence the weird changes we saw. But given the system's history, at least it's still working. ;)

[Will H]

A few odds & ends:

Gotta love one of the T&C for the A330 flights:
"For safety reasons, Business Class is not available to unaccompanied minors under the age of 15 years old." http://bit.ly/htetQ5 "safety" reasons? :D

A330s are in the schedule for a very few SYD-MEL-SYD flights. I've only looked at a few days but here are some flights: DJ885 on 28 May, DJ849 on 5 June and 12 June.

[Ben Thiele]

Curiously they're offering $139 Y one-way fares yet those fares on the A330 flights were pulled very quickly after this morning's announcement.

I'm booked on the first service on 26 May. Anyone else coming?

Yep - I'm on it (SYDPER) in Business, got a $139 over on Wed A/N.

Looking forward to it.

[Oliver Gigacz]

During July, the A330s will be operating some late weekend flights (SYD-MEL). I just booked DJ890 on July 2nd.

[Nigel C]

Gates 39 and 40 now have A330 NIGS and stop bars.

Bay 39 being painted up can only be in anticipation of the Bravo-4 realignment being completed soon. Current Twy restrictions mean the A330 can not use Bravo-4 and therefore Dom-2 is off limits for now.

[Robert S]

Disappointing that they're still vague about the IFE.

I must say I also found the new Luke Mangan menu a little disappointing - the panini was just too dry for something that wasn't toasted, even if the flavours were nice.

[Lukas M]

Econ A330 Seat

http://www.virginblue.com.au/cms/groups/e-commerce/documents/internetcontent/p_015177.jpg

[Rob R]

Correction to my post re gate 39 and 40, checked today and only 40 marked for the A330.

[Rob R]

XFA is currently parked on bay 40 conducting ground crew training.

[Scott Thorpe]

Landed in YSCB at 12.55pm on runway 35. Was this route proving?

[Shayne G]

Does anyone know any future movements of VH-XFA? I am yet to see it up close at the airport :D

[Radi K]

Next into SYD 1025L on the 27th and again 1545 same day.

[Will H]

What's happening to XFA until then?

[Radi K]

Nothing due to Easter - its parked in MEL.

[Anthony T]

The A330's are also operating MEL-SYD-MEL on saturday evenings from 28th May.

[AaronBradford]

The A330's are also operating MEL-SYD-MEL on saturday evenings from 28th May.

I've already booked DJ885 MEL-SYD on the 28th to try it out. :D

[Will H]

Does anyone know what XFA's flights last week were?

[Jason H]

When does the A330 enter service? Is it the 26th or 28th?

[Brock Little]

26th.

[Mark D.]

I will be on it on 26th. Will let you know what its like

[Jason H]

I sat in the seats last week, and I found that they seem to be out of proportion and uncomfortable for the tall person (ie myself), but others found them quite comfortable.

[Jacob P]

Hey Mark,

will also be on the flight hope they have a bit of fanfare for the launch!

[Jack Melon]

Will XFA or XFB operate the first SYD-PER flight? And is one going to be based in Sydney and one in Perth? Have fun to those on the inagural! Take lots of photo's, videos, and trip reports!!

Cheers

Jack

[Owen H]

Saw the A330 in Perth the other day and its already causing problems. When it is parked at the domestic terminal Qantas' 767's and A330's can't get past. Its going to cause nightmares and big traffic snarles around the airport.

[Mark D.]

Hey Mark,

will also be on the flight hope they have a bit of fanfare for the launch!
Yeah me too Jacob, they usually go all out.. As DJ Gold, I can guest someone to the lounge if you want to use it. PM me, it will only go to waste otherwise.

[Greg McDonald]

Yeah me too Jacob, they usually go all out.. As DJ Gold, I can guest someone to the lounge if you want to use it. PM me, it will only go to waste otherwise.

If Jacob doesn't want to take you up on your offer, I will!! I wonder how many from the board are on the flight?

[J Brown]

Saw the A330 in Perth the other day and its already causing problems. When it is parked at the domestic terminal Qantas' 767's and A330's can't get past. Its going to cause nightmares and big traffic snarles around the airport. ...not to mention vehicles driving on the apron access road which have to follow a temporary route out onto the taxilane to get around it. This then obviously temporarily downgrades the capability of the taxilane which had only recently been upgraded to handle A330's, etc with the departure of the old fire station/control tower, as above.

[Jacob P]

Hye Mark,

thanks for the offer will be happy to accept. Would you like me to PM you my mobile number?

[Kirk C]

...not to mention vehicles driving on the apron access road which have to follow a temporary route out onto the taxilane to get around it. This then obviously temporarily downgrades the capability of the taxilane which had only recently been upgraded to handle A330's, etc with the departure of the old fire station/control tower, as above.

They are building a new Taxi way to extend A to join D1

http://docs.google.com/gview?url=http://ozwestvirtual.org/charts/works.pdf&pli=1