Virgin Blue To Launch Melbourne-Maroochy Flights 1APR03

Virgin Blue To Launch Melbourne-Maroochy Flights

Up Up and Away With Network Wide Sale On All Routes

Virgin Blue has announced it will begin flying between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast from May 1 following huge demand for a direct service since adding the Sunshine Coast to its growing list of destinations in October last year.

The initial direct flights between the Sunshine Coast and Sydney, as well as connections from southern ports, have proved hugely popular, with the airline increasing the number of daily flights within the first few weeks of service.

The large number of Guests booking connecting flights from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast has prompted Virgin Blue to dedicate one of its modern 737 jets to providing a direct convenient leisure travel option four days a week. The airline will closely monitor support for the flights with the view to increase services if the demand is there.

To celebrate the new service, Virgin Blue is offering a special launch fare of $99* one-way on the net with everyday low fares starting from $165* one-way on the net, with a Fully Flexible fare of $405*, 33% cheaper than the equivalent Qantas fare of $613 one-way on the net.

The special $99* launch fares can be booked from today over the Internet until April 10 for travel from May 1 to June 26 2003 subject to availability. Tasmanian and Adelaide based travellers will also be able to take advantage of the new route, with connecting flights available via Melbourne.

Virgin Blue spokesperson Amanda Bolger said, “We’ve been inundated with requests for a direct Melbourne-Sunshine Coast service which is a clear reflection of the popularity of Melbourne as a desirable destination for business and pleasure. It also highlights the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a preferred playground for Victorians.”

She continued, “It seems the Sunshine Coast often has more Victorians than Queenslanders enjoying the wonderful weather, beautiful beaches and café culture, so we thought we would make the northern holiday migration even easier.”

Sunday flight times vary: DJ 591 Melbourne-Sunshine Coast departs at 9.00am, arriving 11.10am. DJ 592 Sunshine Coast-Melbourne departs at 11.40am, arriving at 2.10pm

LOW FARE FRENZY

As part of Virgin Blue’s commitment to offering long-term low fares and fantastic sale offers, the airline is today launching a network wide “Out Of The Blue” sale across the entire route network, with some fares (such as Sydney-Perth) 45% cheaper than the normal everyday low fare.

Flights can be booked now until April 10 for travel from May 1 to 26 June 2003.

Amanda Bolger added, “May is traditionally a quieter time for domestic travel and in light of current world events, the need to nurture domestic tourism is vital. In uncertain times we find that many people prefer to take their holidays closer to home, especially if it’s affordable.

The Out Of The Blue sale also reaffirms Virgin Blue’s strategy to offer low fares to everyone, not just those who have to buy a holiday package to get a decent airfare.”