Pacific Blue commences Brisbane - Christchurch service

Pacific Blue's first flight will touch down at Brisbane International Airport today from New Zealand. The first flight to Christchurch will take off out of Brisbane following a fun-filled "kiwi" themed launch celebration ceremony and send-off.

The inaugural flight heralds the first step into the international market following the successful launch of domestic carrier Virgin Blue in August 2000.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey said, "A tad ironic is how I would describe the recent move by other airlines to cut their Trans-Tasman air fares.

While we find the imitation flattering, we think travellers will see through it and realise that other airlines haven't reduced fares because they suddenly think it's a nice thing to do. Traditional or "dinosaur" airlines are beginning to recognise that Virgin Blue and Pacific Blue have the right formula for future viability, and competition is forcing them to provide better fares and service to the benefit of the travelling public."

He added, "Our trans-Tasman guests will be flying on the region's youngest and most reliable fleet at the lowest fares offered across the Tasman to date. We hope the people of New Zealand embrace the country's newest airline. I hope they continue to show us the same level of support shown throughout our launch period as this will no doubt encourage us to look at other new services."

Pacific Blue will initially fly daily between Brisbane and Christchurch but will shortly expand its international flight options with the introduction of direct flights between Melbourne and Christchurch on March 4 as well as Sydney and Christchurch on March 10. The airline's direct daily Sydney-Wellington flights will also take off on March 10.

 Mid-Week Mini-Fares between Brisbane and Christchurch start from $189* one-way on the net.

Brett Godfrey added, "Today's flight into Queensland once again demonstrates our commitment to our home state by bringing more tourists directly to the city and also into North Queensland with convenient connections to Cairns and Townsville available from March.

People living in Townsville and Cairns have been blocked out of cheap fares to New Zealand compared to their capital city comrades but we are looking forward to changing that and making it as easy as petting a sheep."

Pacific Blue Guests will be able to take advantage of easy connecting flights via Brisbane, with their baggage checked all the way through to New Zealand.

Pacific Blue CEO, Tony Marks said, "It's all about taking the success of the Virgin Blue product and emulating it across the Tasman to provide both people in both Australia and New Zealand with more flight options and more destinations."

Pacific Blue Cabin Crew have spent the past month flying in Australia with their Virgin Blue counterparts as part of their training to ensure the same "Virgin flair" and outstanding customer service standards are shared by both carriers.

"We are gearing up to give all the carriers on the trans-Tasman a run for their money and believe it's about time some fresh competition gave the market a bit of a shake-up. We believe the future of air travel worldwide lies with low fare carriers that provide a value-for-money, outstanding and innovative product."

The Australia-New Zealand route is Pacific Blue's first international foray but the carrier is also evaluating the potential of a number of other fantastic South Pacific destinations.

Pacific Blue is a New Zealand based low fare carrier operating a fleet of bright red, brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, emblazoned with flypacificblue.com on the side. The aircraft are fresh from the Boeing factory in Seattle and carry some of the most modern technology in the South Pacific. The aircraft carry 180 guests and feature leather seats pitched to 31" or more.

* 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.