T RIED AND TE ST E D FL IGHT
P R ICE
A330-200 business class MELBOURNE–HONG KONG
B A C KGROUND Virgin Australia launched a non-stop route from Melbourne to Hong Kong in July 2017. The five-times-weekly service will become daily from October.
C HEC K - IN I left my city centre hotel at 0815 for the 1100 VA87 flight, and arrived at the airport at 0845am. Virgin Australia’s counters are located at check-in area C of Terminal 2. I was given an Express Path card for expedited security and immigration clearance.
(A-DG-K) configuration. The curved “pod” design offers a high degree of privacy and legroom is very generous. There are numerous small storage spaces for added convenience, plus an international power socket, headset outlet and USB port. High-tech touchpad controls are installed
for the 16-inch IFE screen, seat controls, and three personal lighting options.
THE FL IGH T The flight took off at noon – an hour later than scheduled. I was handed a hot towel and opted for a glass of the newly added Petaluma White Label Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Adelaide Hills. I was also given a set of pyjamas and
a stylish leather amenity kit, containing Hunter Lab moisturiser and lip balm. For dinner, the Sichuan chicken noodle
LOU NGE Virgin Australia doesn’t have a lounge in the international terminal so I was invited to use the Etihad lounge instead (opened in May 2016). The modern space has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway and airfield and plenty of seating options, power sockets/USB ports and a range of hot and cold breakfast dishes. Shower facilities come with towels, bathing
kits and hairdryer. Dental, shaving, vanity and sewing kits are available on request. On the downside, there were no boarding announcements.
BO A RDING At 1015 I checked the information board and found my flight had been relocated to Gate 8. A long queue had already formed, however boarding didn’t actually commence until 1045.
THE SE A T Virgin’s premium “The Business” suite launched in 2015. The cabin has a contemporary black-and-white colour scheme, with 20 seats arranged in a 1-2-1
bus ine s s tr a v el ler .c om
soup starter grabbed my attention, though I was concerned how spicy it would be. The attendant suggested I taste a small portion before deciding, which was very thoughtful. For the main course, I chose a flavoursome
vegetarian potato and ricotta gnocchi (other options were braised beef short rib, green chicken curry or steamed barramundi), with a Savarin ring cake to finish. After dinner, a cabin crew member
helped me make the bed. The mattress was thick and comfortable and the duvet warm and soft. I was impressed with the length of the bed, too – though 190cm tall, I could lie without my head or feet touching the ends. Cabin lights went on two hours before landing and breakfast arrived soon after.
Virgin Australia Internet rates for a return
Business Saver ticket in mid-October start from A$3,767 (US$2,740) including tax and surcharges.
DEP AR T UR E TIME 1100
F L IGHT TIME 9 hours 40 minutes
AIR CR AF T T YP E A330-200
C ONF IGUR A TION 1-2-1
S E AT R E CL INE 180 degrees
S E AT WID TH 19.5in/49.5cm
BED L ENG TH 80in/203cm
C ONT A C T
virginaustralia.com
The cabin crew suggested I sample the noodle soup before deciding, which was very thoughtful
This consisted of a delicious passion fruit muffin and prawn toast with corn salsa and chipotle mayonnaise. Dessert featured traditional Hong Kong delicacies such as egg tart and black sesame rice balls.
A RRIVA L The purser personally bid farewell to each passenger before the flight landed at 1730. I got through immigration by 1810 and around 15 minutes later my priority luggage arrived at the carousel and I was on my way through customs.
VERDIC T A very comfortable business class product with spacious legroom, a long bed, excellent in-flight dining and friendly crew. Virgin Australia definitely offers strong competition to Cathay Pacific and Qantas on the same route. Valerian Ho
SEP T E M B ER 2 0 18 79
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84