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V Australia Business Class
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By: Jenny Caspersonn, Issue 42 – Autumn 2010
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(Inaugural flight from Melbourne to Johannesburg)
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JENNY CASPERSONN JOINED V AUSTRALIA’S INNAUGURAL FLIGHT FROM MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA TO JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA.
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CHECK IN
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As this was the inaugural flight this check in was a little unusual: an African band, V Australia staff sporting fluffy leopard-print ears and much fanfare and excitement all round. Despite the frivolity the business priority check-in process was efficient and courteous. Express cards are issued to expedite the security and customs queues. A limo collection service to the airport is available for J and C class business bookings.
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THE CABIN
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The airline’s new 361-seat Boeing 777-300ER aircraft serves the new route. It has 288 International Economy seats, a Premium Economy with 40 International Club Seats and 33 Business Class seats in a two-three-two configuration. A sit-down in-flight bar sits at the rear of the business cabin forward of row five and has a domed ceiling to reduce the noise from happy barflies. Row five is separated from the rest of the business class and can become an exclusive privacy suite. It’s perfect for groups travelling together or those who would like to be curtained off for some rock star seclusion. The cabin features some unique touches like innovative mood lighting with sunset and twilight settings, twinkling night lights on the cabin ceiling and specially designed wallpaper with iconic Australian animals hidden in the design. The cabin bag is a mix of sensible goodies, the luxury of body Bvlgari products mixed with typical Virgin humour on the eyeshades telling you to “feel free to dream”.
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THE SERVICE
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V Australia prides itself on offering outstanding service delivered with efficiency yet with fun and flair from young, attractive crew. According to Scott Swift, Executive General Manager, the staff is selected for their personality. “We recruit for attitude and train for excellence,” he says. The service embodies a mix of general cheeriness and a nothing-is-too-much -trouble attitude. A splash of 2003 Vintage Moet in sparkling Riedel glassware magically appears upon boarding and is thereafter topped up without prompting. On this particular flight, in between charity auctions and cutting birthday cakes, staff were happily making up the beds, dealing with overhead locker contents but not too busy to stop for a chat or even offer helpful movie reviews.
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THE SEATS
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Perfectly comfortable in the upright position, the seats have a touch control mechanism for recline, lumbar massage and lie-flat for sleeping. However, like many airlines, in the lie-flat position they are not truly flat but the padded mattress cover and a reposition of the lumbar cushions can alleviate this. Although the seats are not overly wide, taller passengers will appreciate the generous space in lie-flat position. When the tray table is out however the seat will not readjust so be sure to get comfortable before your meal.
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ENTERTAINMENT
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RED - V Australia’s audio and video on demand entertainment system - is available on a 31cm touch-screen equipped with noise-cancelling headphones. There is an extensive choice of films, music, TV and games to choose from, and a seat-to-seat “chat” service and an in-seat charger for your laptop and mobile are also available in RED. The Lounges at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport V Australia utilises the Malaysian lounge. It’s located downstairs but is spacious and well appointed.
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THE FOOD
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V Australia’s menu rotates three monthly with a comprehensive menu of modern Australian dishes and an emphasis on fresh produce. The food is wholesome and not too fussy, and the galley is open at any time for meals and snacks. The wine selection also varies but features Australian and South African selections. The little ceramic Sydney Opera House salt and pepper shakers are a lovely touch.
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THE GRIPES
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The bar could be a little busy for passengers seeking seclusion in Row five. Be sure to button up the curtain for complete privacy.
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THE EXTRAS
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A ladies’ only toilet. Oh joy! What an inspired concept. There is even a funky soundtrack grooving in there.
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