VIRGIN BLUE MOVES ON GOVERNMENT BUSINESS AIRLINE HOPES CANBERRA WILL GET THE SAME SAVINGS AS THE STATES

Virgin Blue has been successful in winning a major part of the Queensland Government business travel account.

Premier Peter Beattie this week confirmed his government expected to save $5 million a year on air travel with a new policy requiring government travellers to use the best fares available. Mr Beattie said this meant his government would more regularly use Virgin Blue.

Virgin Blue has already opened over 200 government department accounts and provided priority access to its reservations team. The government business is estimated at over 170,000 sectors nationally per annum.

National Sales Manager, Mr Jon Marshall stated, “It’s a refreshing approach from government to be focussed on getting the best value from their domestic air travel spend. The Queensland Government has chosen Virgin Blue as a key partner and recognises that the airline that is great for leisure is also the best value for business travel. ”

He continued, “Our simple fare structures and the ability to service all key routes make Virgin Blue an obvious choice. Our success in the corporate market has seen business figures grow consistently across all markets. We are coming of age in offering a quality business alternative.”

Virgin Blue’s aims are to deliver cost benefits and break the nexus of restrictive government deals based on 100% share of government business. Virgin Blue’s government push relies on the strategy that total cost reduction on air spend should be the aim of all publicly funded departments.

Virgin Blue applauds Deputy Prime Minister, Mr John Anderson’s statement that “all Australian airlines will be given a fair chance to win new contracts…where the deliver demonstrable financial benefits to the taxpayer”*

The Virgin Blue sales team is also targeting government business through independent Travel Management Companies currently managing the Federal government business. “We firmly support travel manager’s handling government business who are adapting to changing times and committed to ensuring the best fare wins on the day.”

Virgin Blue, Australia’s only true low fare airline, will be servicing every state and territory by Christmas, with its fleet of brand new Next Generation Boeing 737 aircraft.

* Media release issued by Minister Anderson’s office 27 November 2001