Virgin Blue to launch direct Hobart-Sydney flights

Virgin Blue today announced it will begin daily direct flights between Hobart and Sydney from 2 September.

The low fare carrier currently offers a connecting service throughout Australia via both Melbourne and Brisbane but has committed to allocating an aircraft to a new direct service due to popular demand.

The airline's Head of Strategy and Communication, David Huttner, made the announcement during a get together with the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce in Hobart today. The visit to Tasmania continues tomorrow with an address to the Launceston Chamber of Commerce highlighting Virgin Blue's commitment to business travellers throughout the state.

"We have always focused on giving both business and leisure travellers a product that meets their needs. Every Virgin Blue flight from Tasmania offers individual choice of seating with 32" seat pitch, business friendly check in and convenient connections across the nation with award winning service on the newest fleet of jets in Australia."

He continued, "Virgin Blue believes that travellers shouldn't have to compromise between low fares and great service."

The low fare airline has put in place one of its well known "wow" launch fare offers, with flights up for grabs for A$49 one-way on the net on sale now until 6 June, for travel between 2 September and 31 October 2004. Everyday low fares start from A$95 one-way on the net.

"We will always be about low fares and we will do whatever it takes to remain competitive, but we firmly believe that low fares don't have to mean low standards and the entire Virgin Blue team is very proud of the unique Virgin Blue style of service we offer on every one of our direct services from Hobart to Brisbane, Melbourne and now Sydney", David Huttner concluded.