 We sit down with Scott Swift, one of Virgin Blue’s founding members, and currently the Executive General Manager of the newly-launched V Australia. We discover his favourite holiday destinations, travel tips and some insights into V Australia.
Your favourite international travel destination?
The very next one I go to … and hopefully it will be one I haven’t been to before. Exploring and experiencing new countries and cultures is part of the buzz of travelling.
Favourite Australian destination?
Maroochydore on the Queensland Sunshine Coast. It has great beaches and a really relaxed “sun, surf, sand” holiday mentality.
Favourite thing to do on holiday?
We always try and do something we have never done before with the kids. It’s unconditional time for them, so for us, a holiday is a great chance to teach them new things like a board or card game, how to bait a hook without the prawn falling off, that kind of thing. On our last trip to Maroochydore we taught them how to do handstands and cartwheels on the beach.
Best travel tip?
Don’t stress, as most of the time it’s out of your control -- so relax and go with the flow (a G&T can help with that.)
First thing you do in a foreign city?
Go for a walk and get my bearings, usually by getting completely lost.
Number 1 thing that you cannot travel without?
Can I be greedy and have two number 1 things? My blackberry and my credit card
Best thing about the city you live in?
Brisbane offers the quintessential Aussie culture and lifestyle. It’s like a big overgrown country town with all the benefits of a sophisticated city.
What project/product are you most excited about?
The launch of Virgin Blue’s new three-class International airline V Australia. There is so much energy and excitement around introducing a brand-new Australian long haul airline to the trans-Pacific market and this airline will have the best of both worlds in terms of the unique Virgin spirit combined with plenty of Australian character
How will this project/product affect/benefit your customers?
Where to start? It will bring competition and affordability to trans-Pacific travel, a new level of service and style, great career opportunities, brand new 777-300ER aircraft with the latest in-flight entertainment, great in-flight menu, direct daily access to the USA with more new international destinations to come….Am I raving?
Best thing about working with Virgin?
Without a doubt it is the people. Working for a Virgin company is a cult-like experience. It is also terrific working for a company that thrives on innovation and being cutting edge.
About Scott Swift
Scott Swift is one of Virgin Blue’s founding members and held the role of General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary until March 2007 where he was appointed Executive GM of Long Haul. Prior to joining the Virgin Blue start-up team in Australia, Mr Swift had 10 years of experience in a number of corporate and executive positions. He is married with three children.
About V Australia
V Australia -- part of the Virgin Blue Group of Airlines -- is a premium, boutique-style carrier offering direct trans-Pacific flights between Los Angeles and Sydney starting in February. Flights between Los Angeles and Brisbane will launch in April this year, with other destinations to be added in the future.
www.vaustralia.com.au
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