The Virgin Blue Group announced the name of their new long-haul carrier to the U.S., expected to launch in late 2008. V Australia is waiting for U.S. regulatory approval to operate roundtrip flights between the U.S. and Australia. The initial flights will connect the east coast of Australia with the west coast of the United States, although the routes and fare structure have not been announced.

According to Reuters, the airline plans to operate 10 weekly services between Australia and the United States. Virgin Blue expects the new airline to take about 12 percent of market share on transpacific Australia-U.S routes, competing with United Airlines and Qantas Airways.