News
Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
We are excited to share with you the details of another key step we are taking in our sustainability strategy, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of our ground operations.
Over the next seven weeks, we are trialling the use of an environmentally-friendly biodiesel blend (B20) in one of our baggage tugs and one of our push back vehicles at Brisbane Domestic Airport.
We are proud to say the trial marks the first time an Australian airline has ever used biodiesel to power its ground service equipment.
The biodiesel used in the trial is produced locally in Narangba, Queensland by an Australian company called Ecotech Biodiesel and is made from used cooking oil and tallow. The fact that these are waste products is important to us because it means the biodiesel doesn’t compromise food production, land or water. What’s more, it has a range of environmental benefits including reduced greenhouse gas and soot emissions.
Our ultimate goal is roll out biodiesel to our ground service equipment across our other mainline ports, which could lead to a reduction in over 300 tonnes of CO2 per year.
We will keep you updated on the progress on the trial, but in the meantime, if you’re travelling through Brisbane, keep an eye out for a biodiesel-powered vehicle!
Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
Out of an overwhelming desire to make fashionable sports attire (activewear), former aerobics instructor, Lorna Jane Clarkson founded one of Australia’s most inspiring multi-million dollar businesses, Lorna Jane.
Two decades later, with more than 120 stores worldwide and 337,000 Facebook followers, Lorna Jane is not only an industry leader, but also a household name. On any trip to an Australian gym you’re guaranteed to find the brand’s iconic logo sported by ladies of all shapes and sizes, and confidence and abilities.
Recognising the brand’s positive effect on females, our holiday partner, Blue Holidays invites you on Breakations with the girls to be inspired over lunch with Lorna Jane.
In anticipation of the lunches we spoke with Lorna Jane Clarkson, to discover what motivates her, where she pulls inspiration from and what projects she has in her sights.
Why did you decide to partner with Blue Holidays for Breakations with the girls?
We all have such busy schedules, and I thought it was a great opportunity for women to stop, take a break and spend some quality time with their friends. We have planned a total Move Nourish Believe experience. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone; and talking about health and fitness, being positive every day, and finding the time to do more of the things that we love.
What do you feel guests will take away from the weekends?
I hope everyone walks away having learnt more about my personal life philosophy, Move, Nourish and Believe, and how easy it is to incorporate it into their everyday life.
What does Move Nourish Believe mean?
It is my personal philosophy for living and I’ve lived this way for as long as I can remember. I promise myself that I will move my body every day, nourish from the inside out with healthy and nutritious food, and believe anything is possible (with a little hard work).
It’s not only your mantra, but also the name of your book. What made you write Move Nourish Believe?
I found myself constantly being asked by my staff and customers to write a book. Not sure what to write about, I reached out to my Lorna Jane Facebook fans and asked them. They wanted to know the details of how I lived my life, from what I liked to eat, to my favourite workouts. So that is exactly what I wrote about. I am not an expert by any means; I simply shared all the things I had learnt on my own health and fitness journey. I wanted to connect personally with each and every reader, to really inspire them to lead their best lives and never give up.
Do you have any further projects in the pipeline?
We plan to open 10 stores across California by the end of the year, which is a huge focus for our business and will definitely keep us busy. We’re also launching a brand new website and online store this month to support our incredible growth in the online retail space. I am currently putting together a Move Nourish Believe diary for January 2013 and I’d like to write another book – aiming for release in November 2013.
10 stores on top of the 120 that you already have is a huge feat. Congratulations! What is your favourite store destination to visit?
I love them all! All our stores are centred on their local community, and each store has a part in my Lorna Jane family giving it energy, getting to know our customers and becoming part of the local scene. In saying that, it was amazing to walk into our first ever US store in Malibu, California, as it reminded me just how far the Lorna Jane brand has come as well as the amazing possibilities we have in the future.
When you’re not working, what is your favourite holiday destination to visit with your girlfriends?
I love going to a good spa or health retreat. I am one of those people who likes to discover new places, so it’s not often that I go back to the same place twice. I love to research a new destination, look for the good shopping, restaurants and walking spots, and then get everyone’s availability, make a plan and book it.
You mentioned researching walking spots… What are you top five places in the world to exercise?
I have been spending my time between Australia and the U.S. at the moment so:
- Trekking the Hollywood Hills… for the great view
- Bike riding in Santa Monica… where else can you ride your bike on the beach?
- Paddle boarding in Hawaii… because it feels good and the water is amazing
- Running in Central Park, NY… I love getting lost and finding my way again
- Bush walking on the Sunshine Coast… a little bit of paradise in the midst of my busy schedule
You and your girlfriends can meet and be inspired by Lorna Jane Clarkson in person, at our Brisbane Breakation with the girls lunch.
The package includes:
- Return flights from Sydney to Brisbane
- Luxury transfers from the airport, and to lunch
- One night’s accommodation and breakfast at 4.5 star inner city hotel, Quay West
- A sumptuously healthy and motivating lunch with Lorna Jane Clarkson
- A yoga class with Lorna’s personal instructor
Two lunches will be held: on 2 June and 16 June 2012. Spaces are limited to 50 people per lunch. Price start at $494, per person twin share
Find out more information about Lorna Jane visit the Lorna Jane website.
Experience Lorna Jane Clarkson’s favourite US exercise spots first hand; Virgin Australia operates flights to Los Angeles from Australian east coast capital cities. Take the hassle out of planning your trip away, our holiday partner Blue Holidays offers great value Los Angeles holiday packages, starting at $1955, per person twin share.
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
At Virgin Australia, we know that the little touches can make a big difference to your travel experience. One example of this is our amenity kits. We pride ourselves on offering an amenity kit that enhances your comfort not only during your flight, but also beyond your trip. We are pleased to share the news with you that our amenity kits for our international long haul flights on board our Boeing 777 aircraft have been recognised for doing just this in the recent Global Traveler Magazine Awards.
Having tried and tested the amenity kits of eighteen international airlines, the editorial team of Global Traveler Magazine awarded our new 2012 range with:
- The Best Overall in Business Class
- The Best Spa Product for our Vanilla & Orange Peel Hand Cream, from Australian organics brand Grown
- The Best Women’s Product for our Facial Moisturizer
To celebrate, Grown has extended a special offer to Virgin Australia’s online community from May 2nd until May 23rd. Simply enter the promotional code “11223” when you purchase any item on Grown’s website www.grown.com to receive a free 65ml Vanilla & Orange Peel Hand Cream.
The new 2012 range has been designed to incorporate more sustainable packaging, generous volumes of product to last longer throughout the travel journey and new exciting features such vibrant kit interiors and collectable postcard series in Economy Class. You can check-out the contents in the kits below:
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Women’s Business kit
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Men’s Business kit
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Premium Economy kit
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Economy kit
Friday, April 13th, 2012
We are delighted to share the news with you that for the third year running, Virgin Australia will support the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards.
The awards, which coincide with the UNEP World Environment Day, which is held on June 5th annually, recognise innovative and outstanding environmental programs and initiatives from across Australia.
This year, we will be sponsoring the Community Award, which will be awarded to an Australian individual, organisation or business who is actively promoting species, habitats or the environment in their local area. The Award is open to land, waterways and coastal/marine environment based projects.
If you or someone you know is going above and beyond to protect their local environment, you can nominate now by simply filling in the entry form, available here.
Nominations are open nationally until Wednesday 9 May 2012 and the winner will be announced at the World Environment Day Awards presentation dinner, which will be held on Friday 8th June at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.
Stayed tuned to the Virgin Australia blog for further updates on the World Environment Day Awards.
Virgin Australia’s Sustainability Manager, David White presenting the 2011 Virgin Australia Business World Environment Day Award to the Fridge Buyback Program team, which came up with an innovative and energy efficient plan to manage old, unused fridges.
Friday, April 6th, 2012
In the realm of sport nothing quite shouts Australia, is as innately ‘True Blue’, or as characteristically ‘Occa’ as the AFL.
A game so different to other disciplines grouped under the ‘football’ moniker, the AFL was invented in Melbourne in the mid-19th century out of the desire for a winter off-sport. What started out as a match between two school-boy teams has grown into one of Australia’s favourite sports – supported by millions of face-paint wearing, team song chanting, jersey sporting die-hard fans.
Virgin Australia is proud to be one of these ardent fans, so much so that we’ve join forces with the code to become the “official airline of the AFL”. Our partnership has us following this year’s game results and teams with unrivalled passion.
We were there when Fremantle defender, Michael Johnson came good on his promise to make up for his lacklustre 2011 season. We witnessed Melbourne break convention, when they presented jumpers to their debutants in a huddle on the ground instead of in the rooms. We applauded West Coast’s forward Josh Kennedy as he booted goal after goal to help the Eagles secure a 49-point win over the Western Bulldogs. And we joined with the nation to pay our respect for AFL champion Jim Stynes when he lost his battle with cancer.
As round two gets well underway and the league gears up for round three, we have launched – in conjunction with the AFL Event Office and Blue Holidays – our Any Game Anywhere initiative.
Any Game Anywhere is a simple, fully customised website that enables AFL fans to choose their favourite team and destination, and book game tickets, airfares and accommodation all in a few easy steps.
Virgin Australia Group Executive of Commercial, Liz Savage, said “We are very proud to be the official airline of the AFL, and Virgin Australia is excited to offer AFL fans a range of tailor made packages through this innovative new site. With the convenience of additional flights, more often, we are committed to getting fans to any game anywhere in the country”.
AFL General Manager – Commercial Operations, Darren Birch said, “Any Game Anywhere footy packages are available for all games throughout the 2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season along with 2012 Toyota AFL Finals Series. The Any Game Anywhere site is dedicated to the AFL code providing an interactive platform for fans, hosting a load of AFL content and news to keep fans updated on their team.”
Take the hassle out of planning your AFL weekend away… All packages include airfares, accommodation and a ticket to the game.
Virgin Australia operates flights direct to the birthplace of AFL, Melbourne, daily from all state capital cities and some major regional ports.
Our holiday program, Blue Holidays in conjunction with Tourism Victoria, also has a range of AFL packages on offer, from $324* per person.
Saturday, March 31st, 2012
We have just announced the next phase of our alliance with Singapore Airlines: the start of codeshare services on Singapore Airlines flights to Asia and beyond.
Virgin Australia guests can now book and travel on codeshare flights to Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Cape Town, Johannesburg and London.
Over the next few months, codeshare services to other destinations including India, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia will also be made available.
These announcements follow the launch of reciprocal frequent flyer recognition last year and the start of Singapore Airlines’ codeshare on Virgin Australia domestic flights last month.
Virgin Australia Group Executive of Alliances, Network and Yield Merren McArthur said: “Over the past few months we have been working closely with Singapore Airlines to ensure we provide a seamless first-rate travel experience for our guests. As a result of our new alliance, Virgin Australia guests will be able to travel from all over Australia to destinations throughout Asia and beyond on a single ticket.
“The alliance also enables eligible Members of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem frequent flyer Points and Status Credits on Singapore Airlines operated flights and provides access for eligible guests to Singapore Airlines lounges across the globe”, Ms McArthur said.
In celebration of our new codeshare services, Virgin Australia is offering special fares*, including:
* Sale fares are on sale until 05 April 2012. Fares are correct as at 29 March 2012. Fares are per person return and inclusive of taxes and charges. Conditions apply; please see www.virginaustralia.com for further information.
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
We are excited to share the news with you that our Premium Valet service is now open at Brisbane Domestic Airport.
Located directly adjacent to the terminal, the new service means all Virgin Australia guests can now pull up to the kerbside, leave their keys with the valet and be checked into their flight straight away at the dedicated valet reception area.
The Premium Valet was officially launched this morning with the help of V8 Supercar Champions Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup, who tested out the service for the first time in TeamVodafone cars.
“As V8 drivers and frequent flyers, time is always of the essence. Having tried and tested the new Premium Valet this morning, we can say with confidence that it will make getting to the airport and then to your flight a quick and convenient process”, Craig Lowndes said.
“We know they’ll look after the car too, with undercover parking and the option for cleaning services during the car’s stay”, Jamie Whincup added.
Virgin Australia Group Executive of Product and Guest Services Martin Daley said the Premium Valet was one of a range of new products and services the airline was introducing to enhance the airport experience for guests.
“Soon Virgin Australia guests will be able to enjoy concierge services at Gold Coast and Canberra, an enhanced lounge at Perth and a brand new lounge at the Gold Coast”.
Premium Valet service at Brisbane Domestic Airport is open every day, one hour prior to the first flight until 30 minutes after the last flight of the day, with prices starting from $55.00 for up to 14 hours and $65.00 for up to 24 hours.
If you would like more information about the service, please visit our website here.
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Will the new Premium Valet at Brisbane Airport be a service you will look to use?
Tuesday, March 6th, 2012
At Virgin Australia, we are committed to being a leader in sustainability in the aviation industry.
One example of how we have led the way for the industry is our carbon offset program, Fly Carbon Neutral. Launched in 2007, it was the world’s first government-certified airline carbon offset program.
As we know, the Australia Government will introduce a carbon price in Australia in July 2012 and last week we provided details of how it will affect our airfares. However, some have rightly asked:
‘Why should I offset my flight if I’ve already paid for the carbon price as part of my fare?’
The answer is – they are different means to different ends.
Funds raised from the Australian Government’s carbon price will go towards assisting households and small businesses transition into a clean energy future. It won’t be until 2015, when the carbon price changes to a fully flexible cap and trade scheme, that some of the funds raised begin to be used for investment in activities that offset carbon emissions.
Therefore, for the next three years at least, the carbon price is designed to provide additional incentive for companies and households to reduce emissions. It does not offset your flight and you will not be flying carbon neutral.
Australian Government’s National Carbon Offset Standard
Conversely, our carbon offset program provides an immediate way to address carbon emissions.
Every time a Guest takes up the voluntary option to offset their flight, the money goes directly towards purchasing carbon credits that “offset” the emissions attributed to their flight.
We only purchase credits that are approved under the Australian Government’s National Carbon Offset Scheme to ensure that they are of the highest quality.
For example, one of the projects supplying credits to our program involves a new water treatment facility in Thailand which captures methane gas (a powerful greenhouse gas). Previously waste water was treated in an open pond system and the methane was released into the atmosphere.
The project has also resulted in a number of other environmental and social co-benefits, including:
* The re-use and recycling of water within the production process
* Improving local air quality
* Producing clear and fresh water in the lagoons, free from pollution
* Waste water being used for irrigation of local farms, providing better yields
* Funds donated from the project being used to support a local school with computer equipment and library facilities.
It is also important to note that the carbon emissions offset by our Guests are not used by us to reduce our liability under the carbon price.
At Virgin Australia, we are committed to minimising the carbon emissions from our operations. Some of the ways we are achieving this:
* We maintain a very young fleet of fuel efficient aircraft, the average age being 4.9 years. We have invested in a $2.5billion fleet renewal program over the next six years to ensure our fleet remains modern and fuel efficient. An example of this is the introduction of ATR turboprop aircraft to our fleet, which are up to 40% more fuel and greenhouse efficient than existing aircraft on our short to medium haul routes.
* We have a dedicated fuel efficiency team that is examining ways to further reduce emissions through improving operations, adopting new technologies and working with airports and air navigation service providers to improve air traffic management.
* We actively support the development of sustainable, aviation biofuel and are working towards sourcing 5% of our fuel requirements from these fuels from 2020. Last year, we announced our support of two highly promising Australian projects that use sustainable means and methods, such as the eucalypt mallee tree, to achieve high-quality bio-crude oil.
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So there is a significant difference between the Australian carbon price and our carbon offset program. We know there won’t be one quick solution to achieving sustainable air travel, so we are working with a range of stakeholders and we look forward to engaging with the sustainability initiatives that result from the carbon price.
For more information about our sustainability strategy and our carbon offset program, please our website here.
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
If sustainable lifestyles were a big red box, what would you find inside?
Organic produce, a bicycle, solar panels?
This question was posed to Virgin CEOs around the world and their responses have been captured in a new short film, which can be seen below. Read more »
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
What happens when an overdue break meets a short vacation? They run away together on a Breakation.
But what is a Breakation you say?
The team at Blue Holidays, the holiday partner of Virgin Australia, have essentially created the “new” short vacation, where your much needed break becomes a mini holiday!
Our point of difference is that fact that these holiday packages are individually tailored to the different people planning the trip. It’s not just couples who can have fun and reconnect — there are short break escapes for everybody, from the boys’ adventure to the girls’ getaway and the much-needed mini family holiday. Read more »
