Virgin Blue moves in to new Brisbane Terminal

Virgin Blue Guests flying in and out of Brisbane will now do so in added style and comfort, with the low fare airline today moving from the existing common user area to its own larger, more vibrant facility.

It follows a recent 17-year agreement between Virgin Blue and Brisbane Airport Corporation regarding access to the vacant former Ansett facility, to facilitate the low fare airline's future expansion.

The terminal has been "Virginised" to reflect Virgin Blue's friendly and fun-loving spirit, with the airline's bright red colour scheme throughout and bold plans to have the world's most innovative terminal.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey said, "The Virgin brand is known for its modern, fresh and friendly approach to everyday business and Virgin Blue is no exception. We are currently reviewing a number of dynamic concepts for our terminals such as massage bars, to provide Guests with innovative extra perks if they fancy them."

In the future, Guests will be able to grab a relaxing rub after a stressful working day or get a quick invigorating massage for a reasonable charge en route to a big meeting.

Brett Godfrey added, "The massage bar is just one of the fantastic concepts we are looking at and we've got a number of others in the pipeline. There's nothing more ghastly than a bland, boring terminal and in fact, we think the word "terminal" itself has to go as well and we'll be coming up with our own name for the new facility."

Brett continued, "It comes down to choice and it's the same idea as buying a snack on board, if you want it, you pay for it but if you don't, it's not included in the price of your flight."

Immediate benefits to Guests travelling through Brisbane airport include an increased number of check-in desks from 12 to 21 meaning faster check-in time during peak periods. Other advantages will be a larger choice of terminal retail outlets, efficient security screening, aerobridges that can be used during inclement weather, television monitors at the departure gates and more efficient baggage claim facilities.

Virgin Blue will also have the use of 9 arrival and departure gates compared with 3 in the common user area.

It will also mean the opportunity for the airline to increase the number of future flights in and out of its Queensland home base, with the airline already offering 56 flights in and out a day.

Virgin Blue has arranged flexible procedures that will allow it to continue its efficient method of boarding and disembarking using stairs on sunny days, after Guests commented on how much they enjoy walking across the tarmac and seeing their aircraft or sneaking a peek at the pilots. The airline will also have access to aerobridges during bad weather or for Guests with special needs.

Brett Godfrey added, "This is an exciting phase for Virgin Blue. We've changed the atmosphere in the air and we are now moving towards pioneering a vibrant and energetic travelling experience on the ground. We will continue to be the low fare champion with a focus on high quality service. We will also continue to fight to ensure that the people of Sydney are not denied the same high quality low fare service that we can now offer in Brisbane, Melbourne and soon across the country."