Virgin Australia has announced a new wet lease partnership with regional airline Link Airways. The agreement will kick off with direct flights between Sydney and Canberra from 30 January 2022.
Flights are now bookable through the Virgin Australia website, with up to 9 flights offered between the two cities on weekdays.
Virgin Australia chief executive officer Jayne Hrdlicka said Canberra is a vital port for the airline.
“Virgin Australia is always looking for new ways to connect Australians and today’s announcement is a really great example of how we are working strategically to benefit our customers,” she said.
Ms Hrdlicka went on to say that the service would provide more than 16,000 seats between Sydney and Canberra per month, and is the 15th new service Virgin has added to their domestic network since September. Here’s everything you need to know:
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The Virgin experience with Link Airways
Virgin says flights operated by Link Airways will depart from and arrive at Virgin’s existing airport terminals, with all-economy Saab 340 turboprops the aircraft of choice. Link Airways will also provide the crew to operate these services.
Many aspects of the Virgin Australia experience remain the same for Link operated flights. Travellers will have the same checked baggage allowances, check-in and drop their bags at Virgin counters, with lounge access for eligible guests.
Wireless in-flight entertainment and buy onboard food and drinks will not be available with Link, but all guests will be offered a choice of tea, coffee or water plus a small snack.
Virgin says that all travellers will continue to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits on flights operated by Link Airways.
How do I know if I am flying with Link?
Link Airways wet lease services appear on the flights page with “Link Airways For Virgin Australia” next to the flight time. You’ll also notice the smaller aircraft on the seat selection page.
Link Airways Saab 340 Seating
Link’s Saab 340 aircraft are configured with 34 economy class seats in a 1-2 layout, with the last row being 4 across.
Windowless window seats
Similar to row 9 on Virgin’s B737, row 2 on Link’s Saab 340 does not have a window. If you’re anything like me you might want to avoid this row at all costs.
Extra legroom seating
Rows 1 and 6 are both exit rows on the Saab 340. For now, there is no ExonomyX, and you can select these seats free of charge.
Priority seating zones
Based on the seat map, we have determined that Virgin is blocking seats for those with Velocity Frequent Flyer status.
- Row 3: Velocity Platinum and VIPs
- Row 4: Velocity Gold and above
- Row 5: Velocity Silver and above
