Virgin Blue launches direct Hobart - Brisbane flights

Virgin Blue's inaugural flight from Brisbane touched down in Hobart yesterday, bringing another affordable and convenient non-stop flight option for the people of Tasmania and Queensland.

Virgin Blue's low fares and friendly customer service focus is expected to provide a huge boost to the tourism industry in both States, with great air fares making travel between the two capitals more accessible for weekend getaways and short breaks.

The low fare airline is the only carrier to offer a direct service between Queensland and Tasmania and in celebration of the new daily flight Virgin Blue is offering a special sale fare of A$129* one way on the net, on sale from now until October 31, for travel from October 7 to December 11, 2003.

Aside from this special launch fare, Virgin Blue's Mid-Week Mini-Fares start from A$149* one-way on the net, with a fully Flexible Fare of A$399* one-way on the net.

Spokesperson, Amanda Bolger, said, "The decision to start direct services between Hobart and our home town of Brisbane is based on strong feedback from the hundreds of customers who are already using connecting services between these two cities.

"For us competition doesn't just mean offering the lowest fares, we are also focused on great service and direct flights so people can get where they want to go without spending excess time in transit."

One of Virgin Blue's brand new Next Generation 737 aircraft will be scheduled to the route offering 144 seats in each direction.

The new route will also take the number of flights in and out of Hobart to four a day, complimenting the existing three daily direct services from Hobart to Melbourne with convenient connections throughout Australia.

* Fares include all taxes and are for flights booked on the Internet. A$10 more by phone. The A$129 sale fare offer is on sale until October 31 or until sold out and flights are for travel from October 7 to December 11 2003. Mid-week Mini Fares are for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. Fares are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or peak days.