Red White and Virgin Blue

RED, WHITE AND VIRGIN BLUE!

NEW FLIGHT FROM SYDNEY TO HAMILTON ISLAND TO TAKE OFF INDEPENDENCE DAY

Friday 3 July 2009: Virgin Blue Airlines is celebrating Independence Day by offering travellers the freedom of airline choice between Sydney, NSW and Hamilton Island, QLD.

Virgin Blue currently offers a connecting flight via Brisbane but as of tomorrow, Saturday 4 July, will offer a daily direct flight to the Whitsunday based island, the gate-way to Australia’s world famous aquatic playground.

On board tomorrow’s inaugural flight will be some special tourism and celebrity Guests, including songstress Deni Hines who will be performing at a special celebratory dinner at Hamilton Island on Saturday night.

The decision to launch the new direct service was made following consistent demand from Sydney travellers for Virgin Blue flights to Hamilton Island via Brisbane. The introduction of a direct flight will provide more convenience as well as another airline option on the route.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “Hamilton Island and Whitsunday Tourism has been very active in convincing us to launch a direct route from Sydney and we are pleased to be in a position to do so. We have every confidence in the appeal of the Whitsunday region as one of Australia’s most popular destinations with Australian holidaymakers and international visitors and we look forward to working with the region to boost tourism numbers and make the new direct service a success.”

Virgin Blue will operate a modern Boeing 737 aircraft between Sydney and Hamilton Island. Every day lead in fares start from $165.00* one way on the net.

Brett Godfrey added, “With an average daytime temperature of 22 degrees, winter is an ideal time for anyone in the south to visit Hamilton Island and the surrounding islands to enjoy some sunshine and Whitsunday warmth.”

Glenn Burke, CEO, Hamilton Island, said, “We are delighted that Virgin Blue is offering this new service to our guests from Sydney who will now be able to enjoy greater flexibility in their travels to and from Hamilton Island.

He continued, “This is also perfect timing for all that we have happening on the Island this year with Race Week in August and the opening of our new Yacht Club and Golf Club around the same time. We also believe that guests at our world class resort, qualia, will be excited to take advantage of Virgin Blue’s Premium Economy experience.”

Blue Holidays is offering some package trips to Hamilton Island that will warm the cockles of your heart and wallet.

For those looking for a little luxury and pampering, a special rate is available of $3,945.00^ per person for 5 nights at qualia in the stunning Leeward Pavillion. The package is inclusive of return airfares from Sydney to Hamilton Island, breakfast, lunch and dinner and non-alcoholic beverages enjoyed at The Long Pavillion (qualia) and Pebble Beach (qualia), VIP chauffeur service around Hamilton Island, a two seater golf buggy to explore the island, use of non-motorised watercraft, VIP return airport/marina transfers.

Or spend five nights at the Reef View Hotel shaking off the winter chills from just $998.00^ per person. The package includes return airfares from Sydney to Hamilton Island, 5 nights at the Reef View hotel in a Garden Room, daily buffet breakfast, free use of catamaran, paddle skis, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment, full use of gym, spa, sauna, Kids stay and eat FREE program, complimentary airport to hotel transfers.

The packages are on sale now until 31 August 2009 for travel until 18/09/09.

NEW SYDNEY-HAMILTON ISLAND VIRGIN BLUE FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Sydney – Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island – Sydney

* All fares are one way 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 Blue Saver 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.

^ Package price is correct as at 1/7/09. During some periods air and hotel pricing may not be available and surcharges may apply. Prices are subject to availability and not guaranteed until the booking is completed and confirmed. Prices based on direct route, including taxes, levies and other government charges which may vary and are subject to change. Seasonal surcharges may apply. Hotel rates quoted are based on double occupancy, per room per night, unless otherwise noted. Prices based on lead-in room, additional room types available. Charges for extra persons and/or children may apply and will be charged directly by the hotel. Package conditions apply. Further conditions may apply (www.virginblue.com.au). Prices advertised are from price based on per person, twin share.