Virgin Blue celebrates 10 millionth passenger

Virgin Blue is continuing its strong growth and will today welcome on board its 10-millionth Guest only two and a half years after launching into Australian skies.

The 10-million Guest mark is a significant step for the airline as it flexes its winglets and asserts its position as one of Australia's low fare leaders. It also cements Virgin Blue's role as a viable long-term player in the domestic aviation industry.

The mystery 10-millionth Guest is likely to board an 8.30am direct flight from Virgin Blue's Brisbane base to Mackay this morning.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey said, "Since the vast majority of start-up airlines don't make it to 1-million passengers, this is an important milestone for us. Virgin Blue has gone from strength to strength by focussing on the needs of our Guests, whether they are travelling for business or pleasure."

He continued, "We are both thrilled and grateful for the emphatic support we've received from the Australian travelling public, especially the large number of corporates who have come on board with us in recent months." 

It took Virgin Blue nearly two years to celebrate 5-million Guests and only ten months to carry the second 5-million due to the arrival of new aircraft, an increase in destinations serviced, as well as the introduction of more flights on existing routes across the country.

The airline said it will continue to take delivery of more new aircraft to cater for the increasing demand for Virgin Blue's low fare, high quality service.

Brett Godfrey added, "In light of the current global aviation trend, we are very fortunate to be one of the few airlines expanding. We are committed to the low fare model and are happy our strength in the domestic aviation market is providing a boost to the struggling tourism industry."

Virgin Blue will tomorrow launch flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast and next month will begin services between Sydney and Alice Springs as well as Sydney and Canberra.

The airline also recently opened its first "Blue Room" at Brisbane Airport, with southern ports planned to follow shortly.

The 10-millionth Guest will receive a celebratory gift including flight vouchers, a 12 month Blue Room membership, champagne and a selection of Virgin Blue's popular merchandise.