Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
world of aviation logo

V Aus, Qantas get split decision on Fiji route

written by WOFA | October 23, 2009

The International Air Services Commission (IASC) has issued a draft determination which would split capacity allocations on the Fiji route between V Australia and Qantas.

According to the draft determination, which was released on October 22, the IASC proposes to allocate 907 seats to V Australia and 852 seats to Qantas. As a result of transferring earlier awarded capacity from Pacific Blue, it would allow V Australia to operate six weekly Boeing 777-300ER services to Nadi, while Jetstar would be able to operate four services with 213-seat A321s.

Virgin Blue originally applied for an allocation of 1260 seats on August 12, which with the Pacific Blue allocations would allow it to operate a daily 777 service from Sydney to Nadi, in part driven by a need to increase the utilisation of the V Australia fleet.  Qantas subsequently launched a competing application for some of that capacity, proposing Jetstar to operate daily A321 services on the same route. Qantas does not operate its own services to Fiji, but has a freesale codeshare agreement with Air Pacific, in which it owns a 46 per cent stake.

V Australia is required to utilise the capacity by December 31 2009, while Jetstar has until April 30 to start its services.

close

Each day, our subscribers are more informed with the right information.

SIGN UP to the Australian Aviation magazine for high-quality news and features for just $99.95 per year