Virgin Blue rocks the Qantas boat with game changing moves; Etihad deal, A330s in domestic market

In one of the more dramatic announcements in a never-peaceful Australian aviation market, Virgin Blue's new CEO today announced an array of measures which could go a long way to equalising the balance with major competitor Qantas. A "game changing" partnership with Abu Dhabi's powerful Etihad Airways and a declaration of war in next year's domestic market, by introducing two A330s, add up to a statement that Virgin Blue will become a much more powerful domestic and international force in the next 18 months.