VIRGIN RAMPS UP FLEET TO REGAIN SHARE

VIRGIN Australia is preparing to bulk up its fleet in time for the reopening of interstate borders, with the intention of clawing back valuable market share from Qantas.

After trimming its fleet to as few as 56 aircraft following the airline’s sale to US private equity firm Bain Capital, Virgin Australia has slowly been rebuilding.

From October, another nine Boeing 737s will start arriving, increasing the fleet size to 77 by mid February.

Virgin Australia chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka (pictured) said the aircraft would help meet demand over the peak summer season when interstate borders were expected to stay open in line with higher vaccination rates.

“Airlines around the world have had to bend and stretch over the past 18 months as our fleets, teams and wider operations have responded to unprecedented border restrictions and demand volatility. But we at Virgin Australia are crystal clear that the underlying consumer desire for travel is strong,” Ms Hrdlicka said.

“These extra aircraft are an important part of our planning and will ensure we’re ready to ramp up flying and meet the pent up demand for domestic travel as soon as the opportunity presents itself.”

She said the extra fleet capacity would help Virgin reach its target of 33 per cent of the domestic market, by increasing frequency and network.

That will mean taking market share off Qantas and Jetstar.