Airlines

Virgin Australia unveils Middle seats lottery prizes, here is the details.

Virgin Australia has unveiled four limited-edition and uniquely themed bar carts as part of a one-off, money-can’t-buy prize

Virgin Australia has unveiled four limited-edition and uniquely themed bar carts as part of a one-off, money-can’t-buy prize, in the airline’s globally recognized Middle Seat Lottery.
The fully refurbished collector’s items, revived from a former life on Boeing 737 aircraft have been themed, featuring custom installations and unsuspecting features like a disco ball, boombox speaker, TV projector, popcorn machine, drinks cooler, and more. It’s something that needs to be seen to be believed.
For a chance to win, guests simply need to enter the competition when they sit in a middle seat on an eligible Virgin Australia domestic flight in specific weeks during the competition period (refer below).*
Valued at up to $10,000 each, the money-can’t-buy bar carts are only available to winners of the Middle Seat Lottery.
Details on how to enter here.

Virgin Australia has raised the stakes in the Middle Seat Lottery, today unveiling a magnificently unique twist on the classic aircraft bar cart as part of four ‘money-can’t buy, but middle seats can’ prizes up-for-grabs, in the globally recognized competition.

The hand-refurbished bar carts, completely bespoke and unable to be purchased, are set to have AVGeeks rushing to nab the middle seat in a scene reminiscent of Boxing Day sales.

‘Disco Fever’ bar cart

Complete with a shimmery exterior and spinning mirror ball, there’s a cocktail shaker, Bluetooth speaker, and smoke machine to evoke your inner dancing queen.

‘The Day Spa’ bar cart

Decked out in stylish rattan and contains the most premium spa accessories (think plush robe, silk eye mask and squishy slippers!). The aromatherapy diffuser and luxury candles are designed to instantly refresh and relax the mind and body.

‘At Home Cinema’ bar cart

Upholstered in rich red velvet with a completely customizable cinema-style letter board, this bar cart comes complete with a popcorn maker, candy bar, and movie projector. Truly turning the at-home cinema experience into something wonderful.

‘The Sports Bar’ bar cart

The perfect accompaniment to an afternoon watching the game. With removable esky and Yeti coolers to keep drinks ice cold, the bar cart comes complete with a Marshall speaker to not miss a moment of commentary, plus your very own AFL Sherrin and pop-out basketball hoop – should you feel so inspired by keen spectatorship that you’re game to play along.

The one-of-a-kind bar carts, part of a whopping $230,000 prize pool, can be won by simply sitting in a middle seat on eligible Virgin Australia domestic flights during set weeks of the competition until 23 April 2023.* Other prizes up-for-grabs throughout the competition include a Virgin Voyages Mexico and Bahamas cruise, a helicopter pub crawl extravaganza in Darwin, AFL Grand Final tickets and more. The full prize list is available here.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.