As 2020 draws to a close, there's finally some good news. Australian state borders are reopening, planes are back in the air, and more pilots are returning to work. One of them is Virgin Australia 737 pilot Chris Bournelis (a.k.a. AviatorInsight on AFF) who is now doing simulator training and flight checks ahead of returning to the skies later this month. Chris joins Matt on this episode to reflect on the year and explain the process of returning to the sky after a long period on the ground.

And Virgin Australia has matched Qantas' recent status match offer, meaning both Qantas & Velocity members now have an opportunity to switch. If you're eligible, why not take advantage of this offer and put your eggs in two baskets?

 

Episode contents:

0:58 - Fortnightly news round-up

11:12 - Virgin Australia joins Qantas in launching a status match & extension offer

18:52 - Interview with Chris Bournelis

29:22 - Final word for the final episode of 2020

 

Links:

AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions

Velocity Launches “Discover Gold” Status Match

Velocity Announces Additional Status Extensions & Rewards

AFF "Ask The Pilot" thread

 

Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions

Qantas Reopens More Domestic Airport Lounges

Qantas Considers Expanding Points Club

Rex Launches $79 Sydney-Melbourne Flights

Earn & Redeem Qantas Points for Australian Train Journeys

Flybuys Introduces Velocity Points Auto Transfer