Virgin Blue to commence direct Rockhampton - Brisbane (Australia) flights

Virgin Group Chairman Sir Richard Branson arrived in Rockhampton on board a red Virgin Blue jet for the first time today to announce plans to include the city in the airline's growing route network.

In typical Virgin Blue style, he and the Virgin Blue Cabin Crew adopted the 'Rocky' boxing theme for the special flight in honour of the new destination and to illustrate the airline's plans to extend the fight for low fares to Rockhampton.

Virgin Blue will begin its direct daily flights between Rockhampton and Brisbane from December 12 just in time to unite family and friends for the Christmas holiday period.

Sir Richard Branson also seized the moment to announce a 'Knockout' launch fare offer of $79* one-way for flights booked between now and November 17, for travel between December 12 and March 29 2003*. Every day low fares start from $99* one-way on the net with a fully flexible fare of $249* one-way on the net.

"We are absolutely delighted to be launching yet another destination, especially in our home state of Queensland. The support we have received to date has been brilliant and we look forward to bringing the people of Rockhampton an affordable and fun flying option", Sir Richard Branson said.

He continued, "It's no secret we love coming into a region that has been subjected to an over priced environment. We believe that low fares should be available nationwide and that certainly includes the travelling public of Rockhampton. From day one Virgin Blue has been committed to fighting for low fares across the nation which is something the people of Rockhampton have been deprived of until now".

Local business people will also be able to stretch their travel budgets further with affordable flights not just to Brisbane but also to Sydney ($169*), Melbourne ($199*) and Adelaide ($229*) with Virgin Blue's convenient connections.

Virgin Blue will operate one of its Boeing 737 aircraft on the route offering a larger more comfortable jet option to regional Queensland.

"Sexy red jets, the most enthusiastic staff in the world, low fares, brilliant service and Rockhampton as a new destination … what more could travellers want?" laughed Sir Richard Branson.

Virgin Blue will closely monitor support for the new Rockhampton flights over the coming months and if demand continues, will consider increasing services as it has done on other regional routes such as Mackay and Townsville.

*Fares include all taxes and charges and are for flights booked on the Internet. $10 more by phone. The special launch fare of $79 is not available for travel between December 19 2002 and January 13 2003.