Redeployment of aircraft

VIRGIN BLUE UNDERTAKES PHASE TWO OF AIRCRAFT REDEPLOYMENT STRATEGY

FIVE BRAND NEW ROUTES TO BE INTRODUCED TO NETWORK

CANBERRA – HOBART  ~  CANBERRA – TOWNSVILLE  ~  TOWNSVILLE – GOLD COAST      TOWNSVILLE – CAIRNS  ~  TOWNSVILLE - ROCKHAMPTON

Wednesday 11 February 2009: Virgin Blue Airlines has announced it will launch five brand new services between a number of ports on its network including daily return flights between Canberra – Hobart, Canberra – Townsville, Townsville-Gold Coast, Townsville –Rockhampton as well as Townsville - Cairns. The new services will all commence from Monday 6 April.

The new flights are a result of the company’s strategic review in 2008 which highlighted an opportunity for the airline to redeploy aircraft from under–performing markets onto other routes.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “Like all businesses, in these challenging times we need to keep our finger on the pulse and position our resources where they are most needed.

“The redeployment of some of our Embraer fleet to previously un-serviced routes is great news for these ports, in particular Townsville which has jagged four out of the five new services, because it means more convenient, regular and affordable direct air services which will provide plenty of choice for travellers.”

It is the first time since Virgin Blue launched in 2000 that the airline will offer flights between regional centres (Townsville – Cairns Townsville – Rockhampton and Townsville – Gold Coast). Fittingly, Townsville was also the very first regional centre the airline launched services to in March 2001 and will be the first port to be directly connected by Virgin Blue to not one, but three, other regional centres.

Special online SALE FARES for each of the routes go on sale from today until 17 February 2009, for travel from first day of nonstop service until 25 June:

Canberra – Hobart      $99* one-way on the internet

Canberra – Townsville      $149* one-way on the internet

Townsville-Gold Coast      $99* one-way on the internet

Townsville-Cairns      $69* one-way on the internet

Townsville-Rockhampton    $69* one-way on the internet

Virgin Blue will operate its executive-style EMBRAER E-Jets on all the new routes offering two by two seating configuration.

FLIGHT SCHEDULES

Canberra – Hobart Schedule:    EFFECTIVE 6 APRIL 2009

Hobart - Canberra Schedule:     EFFECTIVE 6 APRIL 2009

Canberra – Townsville Schedule:  EFFECTIVE 6 APRIL 2009

Townsville - Canberra Schedule:  EFFECTIVE 6 APRIL 2009

Townsville – Gold Coast Schedule:  EFFECTIVE 6 APRIL 2009

Gold Coast - Townsville Schedule:  EFFECTIVE 6 APRIL 2009

Townsville – Cairns Schedule:    EFFECTIVE 6 APRIL 2009

Cairns - Townsville Schedule:    EFFECTIVE 6 APRIL 2009

Townsville – Rockhampton Schedule:    EFFECTIVE 6 APRIL 2009

Rockhampton - Townsville Schedule:    EFFECTIVE 6 APRIL 2009

* All fares are for flights booked on the internet or $15 more when booked by phone. Fares are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or peak times. A credit card surcharge of an additional $3 per person per one way flight is applicable. For Virgin Blue bookings log on to www.virginblue.com.au or phone our award winning Guest Contact Centre on 13 6789 or contact a travel agent. Fare price is based on GO! Fare and is non-refundable. Checked baggage charges apply to all Blue Saver and GO! Fares. Pre-pay $8 online for up to 23kgs of checked baggage per person one way flight, or pay $20 at the airport for the same allowance.