Virgin Blue launches Fiji Flights

Virgin Blue launches its first flight to Fiji from Brisbane International Airport today.

Fiji will be the first tropical Pacific island destination Virgin Blue will fly to following the successful launch of international flights*, between New Zealand and Australia in January 2004.

The low fare carrier will operate six services a week, three from Brisbane and three from Melbourne to Nadi. The Melbourne inaugural follows Saturday, 10 September, departing for Nadi at 9.05am.

With the flights scheduled to arrive and depart Fiji midday or early afternoon, travellers will have ample time to spread out beyond the traditional Coral Coast and Mamanuca Island resorts to Suva and the outer Fijian Islands so they can make the most of their holiday.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “Today’s launch is all about taking the success of our high quality, low fare airline and emulating it throughout the Pacific to provide the people of both Australia and Fiji with more flight options and more destination choices.

“With the introduction of our new services and convenient arrival times guests will get more daylight hours at their destination and have time to explore some of the most beautiful part of Fiji that most people never see - the outer islands with their stunning beaches and world class diving. Additionally the tourism friendly schedule means that Fiji can now become a competitive short-break holiday option.”

He added, “We’ve also worked hard to link in both directions with other regional centres including Adelaide, Canberra, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Perth, Rockhampton and Townsville as well as Sydney, with the addition of affordable through-fare options that allow holiday makers to conveniently connect at Brisbane or Melbourne and experience the truly unique hospitality that makes Fiji a world class destination.”

Virgin Blue is also looking at a number of unique opportunities with non-stop flights between Australia and Vanuatu following on September 20. Like Fiji, Vanuatu is growing in popularity as a holiday alternative especially with the upcoming ‘Survivor’ series being broadcast from its tropical shores.

* Operated by Pacific Blue Airlines (NZ) LTD