Virgin Australia grand final stunt infuriates Australians
A Virgin Australia AFL Grand Final day stunt has divided opinion amid debate of hefty domestic flights over the Melbourne long weekend.
The airline on Saturday sent its planes to cruise at 15,000ft and trace a premiership cup over Melbourne, the next day promoting the adventure on social media channels.
In the lead-up to the final, which saw Hawthorn claim a comprehensive victory over West Coast, airlines, including Virgin Australia, had been criticised for the cost of domestic flights, some of which weren’t far off Europe prices. They were reduced days out from the event but fans complained few would wait so late to book.
"Yesterday, we created the largest AFL Premiership Cup in history by 'drawing' a 246km outline of the trophy over Melbourne in our A330 aircraft at 15,000ft," the airline posted on Facebook, along with a complimentary video.
Facebook users were divided on the stunt with critics referring to everything from carbon emissions to the move being an insult in lieu of hefty ticket prices.
"Why didn't you just charge less for the flights to Melbourne instead of wasting money on drawing a line around Melbourne on a flight map?" Nik Martinskis said.
Some, however, did appreciate the creative gesture.
"Good on you guys. We need a bit of silly fun in this world,” one other said.
Morning news break - October 5
