Money
How Australian airlines are preparing for a post-COVID rebound
Australia’s second largest airliner, Virgin Australia has added a further nine new jets to its fleet, as the airline expects a rebound in the Australian domestic travel market
The airline, like others around the world, has been significantly impacted by restrictions caused by COVID-19 – including battling multiple state border closures.
But the future is looking bright, Virgin anticipates a rebound in the travel market by summer as Australia’s vaccination rollout picks up pace.
Virgin Australia will ad 9 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its fleet
The airline confirmed that the increased capacity would bring its fleet to 77 planes and help it meet its target of gaining a one-third share of the domestic market, where it currently competes against Qantas Airways and REX Airlines.
“These extra aircraft are an important part of our planning and ensure we’re ready to ramp up flying and meet the pent-up demand for domestic travel as soon as the opportunity presents itself,”
Virgin Chief Executive Jayne Hrdlicka said in a statement.
Virgin’s new ownership proving successful:
Under the ownership of U.S. private equity group Bain Capital, Virgin Australia continues to rebuild its fleet of Boeing 737s.
The airline emerged from voluntary administration last year and handing back many of its planes to lessors.
Is recovery building in Australia’s travel sector?
The recovery in the Australian domestic aviation market has been greatly impacted by recent lockdowns in states such as New South Wales and Victoria.
Those restrictions are affecting more than half of the country’s population right now, which have resulted in airlines having to cut capacity and idle thousands of workers without pay.