Virgin Blue announces new Perth - Brisbane service

Australia's low fare airline, Virgin Blue today announced a new direct service between Perth and Brisbane, Australia,  just in time for Christmas.

From 12 December, Virgin Blue will launch a direct daily flight between the Western Australian and Queensland capitals with a special "wow" launch offer of $199* one-way. Everyday low fares will start from $279* one-way with a Fully Flexible fare of $579*, nearly 1/3 cheaper than the competition's Fully Flexible fare of $861.

The direct flights will provide travellers from Perth and Brisbane with yet another low fare, non-stop option, while further complimenting the existing flights from W.A. to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney and connecting services to Cairns, the Gold Coast, Canberra, Launceston and Hobart.

It signals an accelerated growth era for the Perth market, with an additional Perth-Sydney flight also from 12 December, as well as an extra Perth-Melbourne flight from 21 November, representing a 60% increase in frequency and totalling eight daily direct flights from Perth to four key capitals.

Virgin Blue CEO, Brett Godfrey said, "It's a dynamic expansion phase for Virgin Blue in Perth and it is a direct result of the solid support we've had from both leisure and business travellers. We have always maintained we will back the markets that back Virgin Blue and we'll continue to expand our WA services in line with demand.

"The Perth - Brisbane direct flight is a continuation of Virgin Blue's hub-busting strategy. So many people were taking advantage of our connections via Sydney and Melbourne so we thought why can't we offer them better service by flying direct", Brett Godfrey said.

For the hundreds of passengers already booked on Virgin Blue connecting services between Perth and Brisbane from December 12 onwards, the airline will offer Guests the option to change to the direct service free of charge for travel on the same day up until 3 November 2002**.

In the lead up to the new service, Virgin Blue has also confirmed it will move into the former Ansett facility at Perth Domestic Terminal on Thursday 7 November.

The more spacious, efficient and comfortable facilities will allow Virgin Blue the opportunity to expand its Perth flights beyond the new services announced today.

While Virgin Blue had hoped to move in as early as this week, issues between the administration and the airport have determined the revised date.

"We look forward to our move on November 7, helping us to further deliver not only great service, but top quality convenient facilities that keep flying affordable for travel to and from Perth", Brett Godfrey finished.

The last flight from Virgin Blue's current location at Perth International Terminal will depart for Sydney at 11pm on Wednesday 6 November 2002.

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* Fares include all taxes and charges and are for flights booked on the Internet. $10 more by phone. Launch offer subject to Fair Fare terms and conditions and is available from October 24 to November 3 or until sold out. Travel for the special launch offer is for flights from12 December 2002 to 29 March 2003 excluding peak times and flights on or between 19 Dec - 13 Jan, 23 Jan - 27 Jan and 30 Jan - 4 Feb 2003.

** Subject to availability and for travel on the same day