Virgin Blue has announced it is again increasing its fares and international fuel surcharges, blaming the continued rise in fuel prices, with jet fuel now sitting at US$140 per barrel.
“The changes we’re announcing today will only go some way towards recovering our fuel costs and are necessary in this environment,” VB CEO and managing director John Borghetti said.
“Jet fuel prices averaged US$90 per barrel in 2010. Current prices represent an increase of 55 per cent from that level.”
Changes to ticket prices will come into effect from May 6 on domestic and international fares on Virgin Blue and Pacific Blue, increasing by up to $10 a sector. Meanwhile, international long haul fuel surcharges on V Australia flights will take effect from May 10, with Australia to Los Angeles flights increasing from $165 to $240 each way. Fuel surcharges on V Australia flights to Abu Dhabi (and on to Europe and the UK) will remain at $240 each way.
Virgin Blue previously announced changes to its fares and fuel surcharges on March 14.
