Virgin Australia has made waves with its announcement today of plans to introduce pets in cabin flights, a first for Australia.
The initiative is poised to cater to the growing demand from pet owners who wish to travel with their furry companions.
This service, pending regulatory approval, is anticipated to commence within the next 12 months, potentially revolutionising the way Australians travel with their pets.
Aiming to gauge public interest, Virgin Australia conducted surveys among its Facebook followers and Australian pet owners, with an overwhelming majority expressing enthusiasm for the concept.
The proposed service will be limited to small cats and dogs on specific domestic routes, ensuring the comfort and safety of all passengers.
The airline will charge a fee for the service, which is yet to be disclosed.
Pets will be confined to designated rows and required to remain in approved carriers under the seat in front of their owners throughout the flight.
In a statement delivered at Melbourne Airport, Virgin Australia Group CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, underscored the airline’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
She expressed excitement at the prospect of introducing pets in cabin flights, citing the strong desire among travelers to journey with their beloved pets.
“Our love for animals has always been in the Virgin Australia DNA, and we are excited at the prospect of taking off with Australia’s first-ever pets in cabin flights,” said Ms. Hrdlicka.
“Overwhelmingly, our guests tell us they want to travel with their pets, and we are now on a journey to make that a reality. It’s something that commonly happens overseas and is proven to work well.”
Stay tuned for further updates as Virgin Australia progresses towards realising its vision of making pet-friendly travel a reality for Australian passengers.
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