Australia's Virgin Blue launches long-haul carrier

Sydney, July 25: Australian airline Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd said on Wednesday it planned to invest A million ( million) in a new long-haul carrier it hopes will be flying to the United States by late 2008.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey told reporters he expected the new airline, to be called V Australia, to be profitable in the second year of operation.

Virgin Blue said in March it would buy six Boeing 777-300ER widebody aircraft, with an option for six more.

Virgin is 62 percent owned by Toll Holdings Ltd .

Reuters >