Virgin Australia is packing its bags and preparing to move in with Flight Centre at the travel giant’s Brisbane headquarters.
The airline confirmed it would vacate its Bowen Hills office for a new fit-for-purpose space alongside Flight Centre, forming a tourism powerhouse in Brisbane’s South Bank.
“The Virgin Australia Group has been looking to relocate its Queensland-based headquarters to a more fit-for-purpose facility for some time,” Virgin spokesman Kris Taute told Travel Weekly.
“We will end our Bowen Hills lease in September and relocate all Brisbane-based team members to the Southpoint building at Southbank where the Group will occupy five floors of the building.”
Virgin currently employs more than 1000 team members at its Bowen Hills Headquarters.
The move is set to take place after the airline’s second creditors meeting, which is likely to be called on 26 August.
The meeting is expected to confirm Bain Capitals purchase of the airline, however, a group of Virgin Australia bondholders may yet make a play for the airline.
The news came as the Virgin released a new video on COVID-safe video advising passengers on what to expect and how to prepare for flying during the pandemic.
In the video, Virgin Australia group medical officer, Dr Sara Souter, explains what travellers can expect to see at airports, gate lounges, and onboard flights, to better protect them against COVID-19.
“At Virgin Australia, the safety and wellbeing of our guests is always our priority,” said Souter.
“That’s why we’ve introduced changes to our customer journey and increased our hygiene practices, to minimise risks associated with COVID-19, and to help you feel more comfortable and confident when flying with us.
“These changes have been developed in close collaboration with airlines and airports across Australia and have been endorsed by Federal health authorities to ensure a consistent and safe travel experience wherever you choose to fly.”
The video, filmed at Brisbane Domestic Airport, outlines Virgin Australia’s new approach to protecting travellers from risks associated with COVID-19, beginning before they arrive at the airport.
You can watch it below.
Featured image source: PDT Architects
