Australian flag carrier, Qantas is up for some new competition after Virgin Australia launched business class on most of its domestic routes yesterday.

Offering Aussie travellers a second business class choice since the demise of Ansett over ten years ago, Virgin Australia group executive of commercial Liz Savage explained the product was launched one month ahead of the return of business travellers and described the offering as “a premium product at very competitive prices”.

“We have also led the field in Australia by introducing priority check-in; baggage and boarding and premium lounge entry in Sydney Domestic Terminal 2, which is all part of ensuring a quick and seamless experience for premium guests,” Ms Savage said.

“In  the  last  quarter  of  2011,  we  have  had  Business  Class  available  on  trans-continental  services  and  the feedback from guests has been excellent, demonstrating that the market is readily embracing our move into the domestic Business Class market.”

As well as booking luxury leather seating, gourmet food and complimentary access to Virgin’s lounges, Velocity members who take a business class domestic flight with the carrier between 26 January and 29 February this year will also receive double Velocity Points and Status Credit. 

Earlier this week, the carrier also launched its new A330 on flight to Melbourne.

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Will you choose to fly Virgin business class or will you keep flying with the Australian flag carrier?