Virgin eyes US - Australia travellers

Round the world travellers could soon experience a greater choice of flights when crossing the pacific.

Virgin Blue, the Australian arm of Richard Branson's airline network, is considering offering flights for the popular pacific route between Australia and the US.

The non-stop route is currently only served by airlines Qantas and United Airlines, with a recent survey on ticket prices finding that prices on the route are on average 33 per cent higher than the "kangaroo" route between Sydney and London, even though the trip is nine hours shorter.

Singapore Airlines has also mounted a bid for the Australian Federal Government to approve daily flights to Los Angeles. It is expected to receive a decision within the next few months.

Virgin Blue chief Brett Godfrey told Australian industry newsletter Travel Blackboard that it has not made a decision about the route but will be keeping a close eye on movements in this sector.

"I would classify trans-Pacific flights as being in our region and it is certainly an opportunity worthy of close attention," he said. "It would be remiss of us if we didn't look at all potential opportunities."