Virgin Blue to increase capacity in and out of Canberra

From February 2004, Virgin Blue is to increase capacity in and out of Canberra.

The new flights will take the number of daily Canberra flights on peak days to 9 and represents a 27% increase in capacity for the Canberra market.

The enhanced schedule includes:

Canberra-Brisbane

· An increase from 2 direct daily flights to 3 direct flights per day with a new evening departure from Brisbane back to Canberra.

· Fares from A$99* one-way on the net (Mid-week Mini-Fare available Tues/Weds).

Canberra-Gold Coast

· The airline will increase the number of weekly flights from 1 to 3, with the new flights taking off on Monday and Wednesday as well as the existing Saturday flight.

· Fares from A$99* one-way on the net (Mid-Week Mini-Fare available Tues/Weds).

Canberra-Melbourne

· Direct flights increase from 2 to 3 daily flights to Melbourne with a new early morning flight from Canberra to Melbourne. The new schedule offers more connections to Hobart, Perth, Launceston, Sunshine Coast and Adelaide.

· More flights on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Virgin Blue will operate 4 daily flights between Canberra & Melbourne to cater for increased demand on these peak days.

The additional flights to Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast will mean the airline will now be "over-nighting" two aircraft and two crews in Canberra for the first time, ensuring on-time morning departures throughout the year.