Virgin Australia's tactics to take a bite out of Air New Zealand

Virgin Australia introduces full cabin service for its transtasman flights – at a price …

It announced today that passengers will receive a meal, a registered 23kg bag and wi-fi Free under a simplified rate structure will be presented after October 28 when it separates from its current trading partner Air New Zealand.

& # 39; & # 39; People will notice simple rates and a good hearty meal on board. You do not need to bring a picnic – we think this will resonate with people here, "said Rob Sharp, group director,

Fares would be" competitive in the market for the product we offer "

Fees vary according to the level of flexibility and the loyalty point rates of travelers.

For return trips between Auckland and Sydney, one-way fares starting at $ 319 (taxes included) Freedomway fares starting at $ 439 (taxes included). The price of the third type – Elevate – would be published when it went on sale on 28 October.

His future competitor, Air New Zealand, charges $ 20 more for checked baggage and $ 20 extra for transtasman flights. But even with these extras, its best price The Works on the same route Oct. 29 is advertised for $ 287 one way. A month later, The Works' best price is $ 277

Air New Zealand said it was confident that its service, flexible product options and modern fleet would continue to appeal to travelers of both sides of the Tasman. Have WiFi on all its Boeing 737-800s across the Tasman, with the first 15 minutes free, then charged at $ 6.99 ($ ​​7.60) hour or the best value on the Tasman for 12, $ 99.

Air New Zealand On a small number of planes but after resistance to initial prices abandoned them

Across the Tasman, the first 10 minutes are free and the full flight is $ 10

Burger Wars: Who wins?

] Sharp said that Virgin would offer value for money. & # 39; & # 39; It will not be a cheap carrier ticket, "he said.

However, it was possible that Virgin could deploy its budget arm, Tigerair, on the Tasman in the future. a very important part of our brand suite. We have indicated that we will evaluate the market over the next 12 to 18 months and if there is a role for Tiger, we will pass Tiger, but there is nothing to announce at this point. "

Virgin used a 700 hamburger gift to The White Lady to launch his new booth products and update his campaign to attract kiwi suppliers to supply beef to his transtasman flights.

hamburger was a pit in the countryside of Air New Zealand An artificial meat meal was developed in the United States and for a limited time for business travelers in Auckland-Los Angeles

Sharp stated that the campaign "GetBeef" had occurred after Air New Zealand departed our hands.

The airline has always tried to Using local suppliers for its flights.

"It's opportunistic, but in the end, it confirms the message that we're increasing the price of the product." In New Zealand, "said Sharp.

Fli Sean Berenson, Product Manager of the Ght Center, welcomed Virgin's shift towards more inclusive rates.

"Virgin clearly listened to customer feedback and acted accordingly; by further diversifying transtasman offers, which allow kiwis to choose and choose the travel experience that suits them best. It puts travelers in control, "he said.