Virgin Blue launches Sydney - Canberra service

Virgin Blue's first flight from Sydney will touch down in Canberra today launching the start of double daily direct flights between the two key cities.

In true Virgin Blue style, the low fare airline is offering every available seat on every flight from 6 June to 30 June for $49* one-way on the net.

Everyday low fares start from $75* one-way on the net with a Fully Flexible fare of $160* one-way on the net, 30% cheaper than Qantas's Fully Flexible fare of more than $228 one-way.

Chief Executive Brett Godfrey said, "This new service will allow a lot more people to go to Canberra to lobby whatever their cause may be, but we also hope that they will lobby the Government on its imbalanced purchasing process which gives a virtual monopoly to Qantas.

"With $49* Fair Fares on every flight, the Commonwealth Government cannot help but save money if they are serious about getting the best fare of the day", he finished.

Virgin Blue's new daily services are expected to boost tourism to  the region with affordable direct flights making the ACT a perfect choice for holiday-makers keen to soak up a bit of political history, sample some fine wines or carve up the slopes on the Snowy Mountains.

Canberra travellers will also be able to take advantage of more connections via Sydney to Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

In addition to the new Sydney-Canberra flights, ACT Guests will also benefit from direct Adelaide-Canberra services and a second daily Canberra-Brisbane service, both commencing 7 October.