V Australia Receives AOC Approval; Inaugural Flight 27 February 200

Australia’s newest international airline, V Australia, has been cleared for take off by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) after successfully completing all requirements and receiving its Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

The final processes to secure an AOC, which V Australia applied for in August 2007, required a number of exercises over the past fortnight including an emergency evacuation demonstration and a recent proving flight, closely monitored by CASA officials, which incorporated a mock medical emergency diversion to Auckland, New Zealand.

“Starting a long-haul airline from scratch is a phenomenal exercise and the V Australia and Virgin Blue teams have thrown their heart and souls into our mission to bring Australians a brand new, innovative, imaginative and customer service focused international airline,” said V Australia’s Executive General Manager, Scott Swift.

To celebrate this significant milestone V Australia has launched a special ‘AOC WHOO HOO! Thumbs-Up Sale’ fare of A$1199 (International Economy return fare) for flights between Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Los Angeles on sale from 20 February until lift-off (midnight 27 February) or until sold out, for travel between 27 February and 15 June, 2009.

The airline is also offering an International Business Class return Sale Fare of A$5999 and Premium Economy return Sale Fare of A$2499 for the same travel period and ports, only valid for travel from 1 March to 15 June 2009.

V Australia’s inaugural commercial flight to Los Angeles will depart from Sydney International Airport at 3pm on Friday 27 February, 2009, marking the carrier’s historic entrance into the Australian aviation industry and providing travellers with a dynamic new international airline option.

For those wanting to take part in the launch festivities there are still a handful of seats available on the inaugural flight from Sydney to Los Angeles which will feature in-flight entertainment and special commemorative gifts.

Flights from Brisbane to Los Angeles will follow shortly after on Wednesday 8 April, 2009, with non-stop services between Melbourne and Los Angeles commencing on Tuesday 15 September, 2009.

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