Virgin Australia has today announced details about their planned Hong Kong services as well as their partnerships with Landmark Alliance Agreement With HNA Aviation, Hong Kong Airlines And HK Express.
What is the airline going to do?
Per Virgin Australia,
• Introduce new direct services between Australia and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (Hong Kong), as well as Australia and The People’s Republic of China (mainland China) operated by Virgin Australia;
• Codeshare on each other’s flights between Australia and Hong Kong, between Australia and mainland China and on each other’s domestic networks; and
• Co-operate in relation to route planning, sales, distribution and marketing, frequent flyer programs, lounge access and other activities.
The airline will utilise their A330-200 which features 20 of their new B/E Super Diamond Business Class Seats and 255 Economy Seats. The exact details like the port of departure or schedule aren’t currently available at this time. This will be the 2nd international destination for the aircraft after Nadi.
Virgin Australia A330 Business Class
The Business Class cabin is in a 1-2-1 configuration which means every passenger gets direct aisle access. The seats convert into a fully flat bed is approximately 203cm long. The seats also include a 16-inch IFE screen, a USB and PowerPoint for power.
The Economy cabin is in a 2-4-2 configuration with each seat having 78.7cm (31in) of seat pitch, 44.1cm (17.4in) of seat width and 12.7cm (5in) of recline. They also feature a 22.8cm IFE screen and USB and In-seat power.
Virgin Australia A330
What will the codeshare include?
Per Virgin Australia,
Subject to regulatory approval, Virgin Australia will implement codeshare (VA*) on services operated by Hong Kong Airlines, Hainan Airlines and other HNA Aviation airlines on journeys between Australia and mainland China and between Australia and Hong Kong.
Customers of Beijing Capital Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and Tianjin Airlines will be able to book travel on Virgin Australia’s domestic and trans-Tasman network.
Will there be reciprocal loyalty benefits?
Yes, here are the details at the moment. There will be more information closer to the launch date.
Per Virgin Australia,
• The opportunity to earn Points and Status Credits on alliance routes; and
• Reciprocal access to tier status benefits including lounge access, priority check-in, priority boarding and additional baggage allowances.
This is the second partnership the airline has announced this year, weeks ago the airline announced their partnership with Air Canada.
