V Australia manages aircraft delivery crisis.

With V Australia having announced that due to an ongoing strike at the Boeing Company’s Seattle aircraft factory, they have been forced to delay the launch of V Australia services, which were planned to commence from 15 December 2008, the revised V Australia launch date is now set for 28 February 2009.

Boeing has ceased assembling aircraft at its Seattle factory due to the fact that 27,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have been on strike since 6 September 2008 and they are one of a number of airlines impacted by the strike with V Australia having three Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in advanced production at the factory.

However, the strike has no bearing on services operated by Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue or Polynesian Blue.

Boeing has advised that it cannot predict the duration of the strike, which has caused the delay of V Australia’s launch.

V Australia says that all Guests booked in the period 15 December 2008 to 16 January 2009 are offered the following alternative arrangements:

1. If you wish to rebook on V Australia for flights that depart on or after 1 March 2009, they would be delighted to accommodate you at no additional cost.

As a goodwill gesture they would also provide you with a $200 voucher for travel on Virgin Blue’s Australian network.

2. If you prefer, they can provide you with a full refund; or

3. They will do their very best to secure an alternative flight on another airline, arranged at v Australia’s expense.  

The decision as to which option you choose is entirely up to you.

V Australia is contacting everyone in departure date order.

In the meantime if you have any questions, feel free to call or email them.

Email [email protected] or by phone in Australia on 13 82 87 or in the USA on 1-800 444 0260.

They will be in touch with all passengers over the coming weeks as more new information and updates becomes available.

A report by The Mole