A Virgin with tatts is one of world’s top earning jets
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There is more than a new identity applied to the Virgin Samoa 737 announced by the Government of Samoa this morning. It’s got tatts!
It is also believed to be among the top earning 737s of the world, having earned more than $20 million a year for its owners, the Samoa Government (49%) Virgin Blue Airlines (49%) and the legendary Aggie Grey’s Resort and Hotel (2%).
The partnership between Virgin Blue and Samoa began in 2005 when a deal to launch a single 737-800 as a jointly owned Polynesian Blue operation conducted by New Zealand based VBA (now VAH) subsidiary Pacific Blue took over the network previously flown by Polynesian Airlines.
Until that point Polynesian Airlines had been a huge burden on the economy of Samoa, losing substantial sums of money in part through very costly leases of jets with premium cabins that rarely generated the fares or occupancy levels required to make commercial sense.
Is this the world's single most profitable 737? Virgin Samoa image
Run as a well promoted economy class cabin using the low cost base of Pacific Blue changed everything. Samoa kept the continuity of having its own flag carrier, but began saving tens of millions of dollars that reverted to medical care, education and other community services, while Samoans and tourists alike responded to attractive air fares and leisure packages that lifted its national fortunes.
The new identity that now takes over from Polynesian Blue comes at the same time as Pacific Blue is rebranded Virgin Australia, completing the integration of Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue and V Australia into the one brand.
And the jet, which keeps the name Tapu’itea, is adorned with engine tattoos by traditional Samoan tattoo artist Tuifa’asisina Tolouena Sua.
Which makes it a jet with serious ink.
The engine tatts close up, Virgin Samoa image
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Good coverage, Ben! This is one of those stories for which main stream media would not brother to report (unless they look for some filler content).
Do you know what is their business plan now? Will they expand or would they keep it as status quo and let it be a low-risk, income generator?
I wondered what would happen to this part of the operation. Since the Trans Tasman is now a Joint Operation, I wonder if Virgin Samoa will operate a pool service with AirNZ (Pool is a rather old fashioned term nowadays, but I suppose when you are in a pool you do not rock the boat).
The AirNZ service from Apia to Los Angeles is gone now, but that might have been one for Virgin Samoa to code share.
Last thought – now that it is called Virgin Samoa, I suppose it will still fly Auckland to Tonga and Auckland to Cook Islands? When Pacific Blue still did NZ domestic, the Polynesian Blue was seen at Queenstown sometimes.
TT,
There hasn’t been any guidance on this recently, and the 2009 tsunami was a tragedy that certainly set their inbound leisure market back for a while. I think it is reasonable to expect that a second jet won’t be added until the stake holders see a clear opportunity to fund their respective equities with a clear view of replicating the success of the solo jet. No doubt in the meantime growth could be met with a revenue sharing deal for additional Virgin Australia capacity.
Just my opinion, but I think Samoa has taken a very wise decision not to rush headlong into the resortification of a very lovely, relaxed place and its courteous and friendly citizens.
Interesting read. Out of curisity, how did you come to the $20 million figure? Could you by any chance point me in the direction of some documents, reports, etc which discuss the airline’s earnings? Cheers.
Sure. Go to investor relations at the Virgin Australia web site and read through the last four annual reports and presentations. Adroit use of a search engine will also take you to Government of Samoa documents.
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