Virgin Blue launches Sydney - Ballina/Byron Bay service

Virgin Blue today launched its new Sydney - Ballina/Byron Bay service.

Virgin Blue spokesperson Amanda Bolger said, “We are excited to be bringing our sleek aircraft into this region and are confident travellers will appreciate the efficiency and comfort of our modern 737 jets. We also hope the low fares and the Virgin Blue style of service will appeal to those people who value friendly and reliable service that leaves them with money to spend when they get to their destination”.

The majority of flyers on this route are expected to be travelling for pleasure to enjoy the delights of both the inland and coastal towns or to visit family and friends, but far north coast business travellers are also set to reap the benefits. Virgin Blue’s new flight will provide them with a speedy and cost effective method of travelling to the state capital and beyond to go about their business.

Amanda Bolger continued, “There has been strong lobbying from both the tourism and business communities for Virgin Blue to begin services and also from Sir Richard Branson following his last, and clearly enjoyable, holiday in the region. From past experience in regional centres like Coffs Harbour, we have proven that non-metropolitan communities can sustain a jet service and we look forward to generating more and more traffic not just to and from Sydney, but also beyond, with easy connecting flights available from Adelaide, Cairns, Christchurch (NZ) and Melbourne.”

The low fare carrier will operate a daily service with the flight departing Sydney at 11.35am, landing at Ballina/Byron Bay Gateway Airport at 12.45pm before turning around and departing Ballina at 1.15pm, touching down at Sydney at 2.30pm. Fares for Virgin Blue flights between Ballina and Sydney start from A$85 one way on the internet.