Virgin Australia to launch first Haneda-Cairns route in June 2023 | Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd press release
Virgin Australia (Headquarters: Brisbane, Australia; CEO: Jane Hardricka) officially decided to launch a new flight to Japan today, and plans to launch the Haneda = Cairns route on June 28, 2023 (Wednesday).
The route will be the only route connecting Tokyo (Haneda) = Cairns, with one flight per day, and will be operated by the latest Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
Virgin Australia expects the Tokyo (Haneda) = Cairns route to resume tourist use as global demand for business air travel declines. It will start operating as the first route connecting Tokyo (Haneda) = Cairns With the relaxation of entry and exit restrictions in Japan, the demand for flights to cities such as Australia is showing a recovery trend. From 2014 to 2019, the number of tourists from Japan to Australia increased by an average of 8.4% per year to approximately 498,000*1, and the number of tourists from Australia to Japan increased by an average of 15.6% per year to approximately 620,002. 1,000 people*2, travel demand between the two countries is growing significantly. According to a recent survey, Cairns is the most popular destination*3 for Japanese tourists visiting Australia, and Virgin Australia responded to this demand by offering the only non-stop flight between Haneda Airport and Cairns, as root open.
※1 Source: DIBP 2019 Overseas Entry and Exit Data
※2 Source: JNTO nationality/Number of overseas visitors by month (2003-2022)
※3 Source: Toursim Australia Aus destination experience awareness Sep 2022
Located in northeastern Australia, Cairns is the gateway to a nature-rich resort area, with two world heritage sites, the “world’s oldest rainforest” and the “Great Barrier Reef”. The flight time is about 7 hours and 45 minutes, and it is known as the shortest Australian sky gate from Japan. Virgin Australia currently operates more than 150 flights a week to Cairns International Airport to Tropical North Queensland, and connects major Australian cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, providing a one-stop Connect flight.
Virgin Australia CEO Jane Hardrika said:
“We’re delighted to offer our customers flights between Cairns and Tokyo Haneda. For some Australians, this means better deals and more choice.
It also means welcoming more Japanese tourists to the Sunshine State to enjoy unparalleled natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. “
Haneda = Cairns route schedule (schedule):
Virgin Australia launches Tokyo serviceaviationExpand partnership with ANA
To further strengthen flight access between Japan and Australia, Virgin Australia has expanded its strategic codeshare with Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA). In addition, Virgin Australia and ANA will mutually offer frequent flyer programmes, redemptions and elite membership benefits.
Since December 2015, ANA has operated a daily Boeing 787-9 flight between Tokyo (Haneda) and Sydney, providing connections within Japan and around the world. The company also provides a seamless codeshare connection to the Virgin Australia network to improve flight access between Japan and Australia, and sells tickets in Australia and Japan. In addition, ANA plans to sell tickets on the Tokyo (Haneda) = Cairns route, which will be newly operated by Virgin Australia in early 2023.
The expanded partnership will also allow members of Virgin Australia’s frequent flyer program ‘Velocity’ and ANA’s ‘ANA Mileage Club’ to reciprocally enjoy the benefits of both frequent flyer programmes. Additionally, the expanded availability of codeshare flights between the two countries will provide Japanese travelers with even more value and choice.
Junichiro Miyagawa, ANA’s managing director in charge of international cooperation and future creation, said:
“As a strategic and valued partner of ANA, we are delighted that Virgin Australia’s launch of flights to Tokyo (Haneda) will strengthen our partnership. We are delighted to welcome our guests under our shared goal, That is, delivering a unique customer experience in Tokyo. Both countries.”
Tokyo(Haneda)= Regarding equipment used on the Cairns route:
Virgin Australia’s Tokyo (Haneda) = Cairns route will use Boeing 737-8 aircraft for all flights. The company has set a long-term goal of reducing net carbon emissions to zero by 2050, and it also plays an important role in the sustainable development strategy of “reducing global emissions”.
*Compared to 737NG aircraft
Tokyo(Haneda)= About Cairns special line service:
Virgin Australia offers value-added customer-focused services and competitive fares. The company’s aircraft offer three classes of seating: Business Class, Economy Class X (economy seats with more legroom) and Economy Class. We offer a service and fee structure to suit every client’s taste.
● Airplane meal
・Business class passengers are free, and economy class passengers can purchase through the on-board menu.
– Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water for all classes.
● In-flight entertainment in Japanese
・ In addition to Japanese movies and TV shows, you can watch a wide range of content including Hollywood titles with Japanese subtitles.
Wi-Fi (fees apply, but free for Platinum members and Business Class customers of the mileage program “Velocity”)
Virgin Australia’s Tokyo (Haneda) – Cairns route will go on sale in early 2023. Tickets can be purchased at your nearest travel agent or on the Virgin Australia website (link below).
Virgin Australia official website: virginaustralia.com/japan/
About Virgin Australia:
Virgin Australia is one of Australia’s largest airlines, founded in 2000 by Sir Richard Branson. As well as a wide range of domestic flights, the airline also operates short-haul international charter and cargo flights and offers an award-winning frequent flyer program, Velocity Frequent Flyer.
Virgin Australia has more than 11 million Velocity Frequent Flyer members who fly to more than 500 destinations around the world with Virgin Australia and its many partner airlines. Points can be added and redeemed through international partner airlines including All Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and more.
Virgin Australia has announced that it will increase its fleet of Boeing 737s by more than 60%, from 58 to 92 aircraft, from November 2020. In 2023, we will introduce the more fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 and Boeing 737-10 aircraft.
Virgin Australia has won numerous awards over the years. Won the title of “Best Flight Attendant” five times (2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022). Named one of the top 10 airlines in the 2022 Excellence Awards organized by AirlineRating.com. In 2019, it also won the titles of “Best Economy Class” and “Best Cabin Crew”. We also received a National Tourism Award from the Australian Tourism Association that same year. Additionally, the company’s loyalty program, Velocity, was named “Programme of the Year” and “Best Customer Service” (Best Customer Service), Best Redemption in the Asia/Middle East/Oceania Airline category at the prestigious Freddie Awards ability.
virginaustralia.com/japan/