FLY VIRGIN BLUE FOR A COIN BIRTHDAY BONANZA – 1000 FLIGHTS FOR *$1

Virgin Blue is turning 1 this month and to celebrate, 1000 Australian travellers will have the opportunity to fly one-way between some of Australia’s key cities for just $1, thanks to Australia’s true blue low fare carrier.

Virgin Blue will launch a one-off first birthday internet offer at midnight Friday August 3, making 1000 seats available on Tuesday August 28, for the celebratory price of $1 to mark a successful first year of operation.

A number of seats will be up for grabs on all Virgin Blue routes as a “thank you” to the travelling public who have supported Virgin Blue over the past 12 months, in its bid to break the old airline order.

The once-in-a-lifetime offer will be available from midnight Friday August 3 (12.01 A.M. Saturday actually), with the 1000 seats expected to be snapped up within the hour and bookings will only be available on the Internet.

Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said “Our first birthday is a major milestone for Virgin Blue. Unlike the previous three attempts to establish a third major airline, we’ve managed not only to survive but also to thrive during one of the toughest times in Australian aviation history. ”

He continued, “Virgin Blue has found its niche and even made a modest profit in a fiercely competitive environment. We are thrilled that Australian’s have accepted and embraced Virgin Blue’s efforts to keep the air fair. This special offer is our birthday gift to those who are quick off the mark to book.”

The unprecedented $1 fare is not a regular fare but a novel way to allow travellers to participate in Virgin Blue’s birthday celebrations.

Virgin Blue took to Australian skies at the end of August last year with its inaugural Brisbane-Sydney service and at that time, had just two aircraft in its fleet.

12 months later, Virgin Blue operates on nine routes with a fleet of nine Boeing 737 brand new Next Generation 700 and 737-400 aircraft, with another three Next Generation aircraft scheduled for delivery by Christmas.

Virgin Blue operates the most modern, technologically advanced aircraft in Australia today, with an average age of less than 5 years, compared with Ansett’s average fleet age of 11.7 years and Qantas with an average fleet age of 10.8 years. (Salomon Smith Barney 2001 Fleet handbook)

*Fair fare terms apply to these bookings and in line with all Virgin Blue fares, changes are allowed but the available fare on the day will apply. Regardless of whether travellers pay $1.00 or $100 for a flight, Virgin Blue offers all Guests the freedom to alter their travel plans. Virgin Blue does not have a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy.

Bookings for Virgin Blue’s $1 birthday special flights can only be made on-line at www.virginblue.com.au