Yes we Cairns. New Auckland-Cairns direct flights take off today

Yes we Cairns!

New Auckland-Cairns direct flights take off today

Tuesday 23 March 2010: Pacific Blue will begin taking Kiwi travellers direct to the lush beauty of Tropical North Queensland today when its inaugural flight from Auckland to Cairns takes off at 4.00pm.

Pacific Blue CEO Mark Pitt said the new service brings added competition to the route and had attracted solid loads into the middle of the year, when New Zealand travellers were looking for a winter getaway.

“Queensland is a favoured destination for Pacific Blue Guests and we’re confident this new, affordable direct service will continue to grow in popularity with Aucklanders and travellers from connecting markets in Wellington and Christchurch,” he said.

“With the addition of the Cairns services Pacific Blue will now have 16 flights a week to Queensland from Auckland, including daily flights to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.”

The new direct flights represent a 79% increase in seats available on the Auckland–Cairns route. Flights are on Tuesdays and Saturdays using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Regular lead-in fares start from $349* one way on the net, around 13%^ cheaper than what was previously available.

Auckland Airport chief executive, Simon Moutter, said “Auckland Airport is incredibly pleased to welcome this new Pacific Blue Cairns-Auckland air service. Tropical North Queensland is a fantastic leisure holiday destination that in many ways is a hidden gem.

“With two world heritage attractions, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest, right on its door-step, we’re hoping more Kiwis take advantage of the chance to have an amazing holiday in Cairns or Port Douglas, and in turn more tourists catch a flight from Cairns to Auckland to come and see what New Zealand has to offer.”

Today’s inaugural flight will have a Great Barrier Reef theme with hosts dressed as snorkelers and tropical fish looking after all the Guests, including media and travel industry Guests. As well as the traditional glass of bubbly to toast the first flight everyone on board today’s service will receive a specially designed t-shirt to remember the occasion.

Pacific Blue and Blue Holidays currently have a range of exciting travel packages in the market to entice New Zealanders to chill out somewhere hot this winter with up to 30% off regular prices. These include:

·Return flights plus 7 nights at Palm Royale Cairns for NZ$1,029** pp twin share ex Auckland

Return flights plus 7 nights at Rydges Sabaya Resort Port Douglas for NZ$1,499** pp twin share ex Auckland.

* All fares are subject to availability, are one-way on the internet or $15 more by phone. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. A credit/debit card fee of $5 per person per one-way flight applies. Sale fares include taxes, fees and surcharges. International return fare may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges. Fare price is based on GO! Fare and is non-refundable. All travel is subject to normal terms and conditions of carriage which can be found at www.flypacificblue.com .

** On sale until 30 June 2010 for travel until 30 September 2010. Package price is correct at time of publishing. 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. Hotel rates quoted are based on double occupancy, per room per night. Prices based on direct route, including taxes, levies and other government charges which may vary and are subject to change. For full terms and conditions visit flypacificblue.com

^ As sourced from the Global Distribution System on 22 December, 2009