8 July 2011

AUCKLAND and BRISBANE, 8 July, 2011 – Air New Zealand and the Virgin Australia group of airlines today launched their trans-Tasman alliance, with reciprocal codeshare flights on each other’s trans-Tasman networks and applicable connecting domestic services going on sale for travel from July 26.

The airlines have aligned fare structures, products and services, so customers on either carrier receive similar first-rate service.

From July 26, Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia trans-Tasman services will offer:
• Reciprocal Frequent Flyer programmes that cover both airlines’ networks, enabling Airpoints and Velocity members to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on each other’s services;
• Reciprocal lounge access for eligible customers[1];
• Priority seating in dedicated zones for top tier frequent flyers;
• Priority Check-in, Baggage and Boarding for Premium Guests and eligible Airpoints and Velocity members; and
• Complimentary tea, coffee and water in-flight to all customers, as well as a food and beverage service for customers on the relevant fare types. The new Pacific Blue food and beverage service includes a continental breakfast, lunchtime wrap or evening meal with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Virgin Australia Group Executive Commercial Liz Savage said: “Customers are from today seeing the first benefits of the new alliance, which we will continue to develop over coming months. From July 26, Virgin Australia customers will have almost three times as many departure times for trans-Tasman travel, as well as new products and services.

“Our dedicated teams continue to work closely on implementing the alliance and from November, our new trans-Tasman alliance network will offer improved connectivity and more convenient flight times across many routes,” Ms Savage said.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Australasia Bruce Parton said: “From July 26, Air New Zealand customers will benefit from Virgin Australia’s extensive domestic network, gaining access to 29 ports around Australia.

“Product consistency is an important part of this alliance and in addition to the joint offering announced today, there will be further improvements to both airlines’ products and services as we move towards an integrated alliance trans-Tasman flight schedule in November.

“We have also worked hard to ensure that the booking process is clear for our customers, spelling out which airline they will be flying on and the inclusions involved,” said Mr Parton.

As part of the changes, Air New Zealand has made enhancements to its fare structure, with fully flexi fares at lower prices than every before and also all Works and Works Deluxe trans-Tasman fares now earning Airpoints Dollars.

The new fare structure and product offering on each airline is as follows[2]:

Existing Air New Zealand trans-Tasman fares and product on Air New Zealand services New Pacific Blue trans-Tasman fares and product on Pacific Blue services
Seat
- Seat
- 1 carry on bag up to 7kg
- Complimentary tea, coffee and water
- TV, music and games via seat back inflight entertainment (IFE)
- Buy snacks and drinks onboard
Saver
- Seat
- 1 carry on bag up to 7kg
- Complimentary tea, coffee and water
- Personal digEplayers available for hire
- Buy snacks and drinks onboard
Seat+Bag
- Above Seat product, plus
- 1 checked bag up to 23kg
Saver (with purchased bag option)
- Above Saver product, plus
- Checked baggage allowance up to 23kg.
The Works
- Above Seat+Bag product, plus
- Full IFE access, including movies
- Meal and beverage service
Flexi
- Saver product including bag, plus
- digEplayer including movies, TV, e-books and games
- Inclusive food and drinks
- Priority check-in
Works Deluxe
- The Works product, plus
- Premium Check-in
- Priority baggage
- 2 checked bags up to 23kg each
- Lounge access (where available)
- Greater seat pitch in forward zones of the aircraft
- Complimentary newspaper, bottle of mineral water and increased meal service
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Pillow and blanket (upon request)
Premium Economy
- Priority Check-in
- Priority baggage
- Checked bags up to 69kg
- Lounge access (where available)
- Greater seat pitch
- Complimentary newspaper
- Unlimited food and drinks from the on-board menu
- digEplayer with movies, TV, e-books and games with premium earphones

[1] Conditions apply. See website for full details
2 Please note, Premium Economy and Works Deluxe are not available on all flights.

ENDS

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