Virgin Blue moves in to new terminal in Adelaide

Virgin Blue has a bigger and better home in Adelaide with Guests set to benefit from a range of improved and expanded facilities.

The low fare carrier has moved from the International terminal where it has operated its low fare Adelaide services since its launch nearly two years ago, to the vacant former Ansett terminal, with returning AFL fans the first to experience the new facility.

The move follows an agreement with Adelaide Airport Limited for use of the Domestic terminal building until the new Adelaide terminal is completed.

The facility has been re-vamped and "Virginised" and features the airline's bold red colour scheme throughout and is a more comfortable, modern and efficient alternative to the former Virgin Blue area at the International terminal.

Among the improvements are up to eight check-in desks compared to five which will speed up the check-in process during peak travel periods, modern baggage claim facilities and six aircraft parking positions instead of only two at the International terminal, paving the way for an increase in flights to and from Adelaide.

It will also provide Guests with a great choice of terminal shops, café's and a bar as well as TV's and comfy chairs at the boarding gates.

Virgin Blue spokesperson Amanda Bolger, said "It's a dynamic and ongoing growth phase for Virgin Blue and having a great new terminal facility opens up a whole new world of opportunity for the airline's hub operations in Adelaide. We've come a long way since launching with a marquee as a terminal and it's directly due to the strong support from the local business and tourism community as well as the people of Adelaide".

She continued, "We literally have room to grow and are committed to continue offering increased flight options and a first class terminal facility while still remaining Australia's low fare champion."

The carrier currently has 28 direct flights a day to and from Adelaide to a number of destinations across Australia including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney with connecting flights between Adelaide and Cairns, Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Hobart, Launceston, Mackay and shortly, Maroochydore.

Virgin Blue continues to work closely with Adelaide Airport in the final design and development of the new Mutli User Terminal and is looking forward to moving in as soon as the terminal is ready.

Amanda Bolger added, "Affordable access to bigger facilities is a key priority for Virgin Blue as it dictates our ability to continue offering great value air travel. We've recently moved into the former Ansett terminals in Brisbane and Melbourne and with Adelaide now coming on-line, it's a shame that only one major east coast airport is more focussed on unfair returns than a reasonable outcome for the Australian travelling public."