Virgin Aus chief hints at new tech incoming

While last month's Virgin Australia rebranding revealed little in terms of shiny new technology, CEO John Borghetti has today hinted that the best is yet to come.

Virgin Australia chief, John Borghetti (Credit: Luke Hopewell/ZDNet Australia)

Speaking with ZDNet Australia at an American Chamber of Commerce in Australia event today, Borghetti said that the physical rebrand is just the tip of the iceberg.

"I'm not going to give away our strategies, but what I am going to say to that is what you've seen so far is only part of things that we're doing.

"There will be a lot more rolling out this side of Christmas and we know exactly what needs to be done," Borghetti told ZDNet Australia.

Virgin Australia's rebranding comes almost a year after Qantas launched its technology-based bid to capitalise on the business frequent flyer market.

Qantas last year launched its Next Generation Check In systems and teamed them with the roll-out of its RFID-enabled Q Bag Tag system. The Flying Kangaroo is in the process of finalising the roll-out of its Next Generation system, aiming for a July completion date.

Virgin Blue, Polynesian Blue and V Australia all came together under the Virgin Australia brand last month, as Sir Richard Branson flew down under to launch the new brand.

Qantas has also been working on new check-in apps for the Windows Phone 7 platform, while its low-cost subsidiary Jetstar is currently finalising its in-flight iPad plans.