BY JAMES WILKINSON

Virgin Australia is bumping additional capacity on flights to Perth and Sydney from Melbourne in a move again aimed at taking a larger share of the nation’s corporate and government business from Qantas.

Virgin is adding Airbus A330s on Melbourne routes

Widebody Airbus A330 services will be launched from May 14 on a double-daily basis to Perth, while Sydney will get the larger aircraft on a morning peak hour return service.

Virgin Australia Group Executive of Commercial Liz Savage said lead-in airfares on the A330, which features Business and Economy classes, would be priced from $99 between Melbourne and Sydney, and from $195 between Melbourne and Perth.

“Melbourne is Virgin Australia’s second largest port and continues to grow as a popular destination for business, events and tourism,” she said.

“Our new wide-body Airbus A330 services will add extra capacity in and out of Melbourne at times of peak demand and offer a first-rate travel experience for guests.

“The aircraft will feature Virgin Australia’s new designer Business and Economy Class product, which includes luxury leather seating, generous seat recline and a range of gourmet food offerings.

“Now with our new wide-body services, our premium Business and Economy Class offering and our designer lounge at Melbourne Domestic Airport, we are confident that Virgin Australia will be the airline of choice for the Melbourne market,” Savage said.

Virgin Australia is expected to commence A330 flying to and from Brisbane once new aircraft are delivered from Airbus.