V Australia begins flights to US

Virgin’s long-haul carrier V Australia began its inaugural flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles yesterday, kicking off a regular route that will see it compete with Qantas and Delta Air Lines.

The service, which will operate twice a week, is non-stop and is expected to commute about 75,000 travellers per year between the two cities.

“They don’t want to go via Sydney, they don’t want to go via Brisbane,” Virgin airlines group chief executive Brett Godfrey told The Age. “It brings more jobs and more security to Victoria because the inbound element (passengers) cannot be underestimated.”

Tourism minister Tim Holding said at the flight’s launch that direct services were good for the industry.

“If tourists can get to Melbourne without having to stop over in other places, then they are more likely to come and stay longer,” Holding said.