By James Wilkinson
Virgin Blue has announced an upgrade of its premium economy product in a bid to increase its share of the corporate and high-end travel business in Australia.
Virgin Blue’s premium economy class
Premium economy additions include free food and drinks (including alcohol) on all flights, as well as complimentary use of the Virgin Blue Live2Air in-flight entertainment system on the airline’s fleet of Boeing 737s.
“In the current economic climate, every cent counts, whether the travel budget is coming from your own pocket or from your employers,” said Virgin Blue chief executive, Brett Godfrey.
“So the new upgraded premium economy offering is going to add more value at a time when many companies are looking to trim their travel costs rather than their frequency of travelling.
“Premium Economy was one area where we identified we could add further value by including food and entertainment in-flight so that travellers have an all-inclusive experience both on the ground and in the air.”
The complimentary use of Live2Air also includes the pay-per-view movie system is available on flights longer than 2.5 hours.
Virgin Blue is also offering premium economy on sister carrier Pacific Blue for the first time — featured on the airline’s inaugural flight to Bali from Brisbane today (November 27).
