Canberra new services to HBT and TSV

TAKE OFF TO THE TROPICS OR TAKE A TRIP TO TASSIE!

VIRGIN BLUE LAUNCHES NEW FLIGHTS TO HOBART AND TOWNSVILLE

Monday 6 April 2009: The Virgin Blue Airlines Group is increasing its presence in the Canberra market, today launching not just one, but two brand new direct flights from the nation’s capital.

The airline will commence direct daily services from Canberra to both Hobart and Townsville, offering convenient and affordable access to two fantastic destinations which offer a range of leisure and business opportunities for Canberrans.

The new flights will complement Virgin Blue’s existing flights from Canberra to Brisbane (4/day), Melbourne (6/day), Gold Coast (1/day) Adelaide (1/day) and Sydney (8/day) and represent an increase of 10% in frequency to the Canberra market.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “We have been working hard to stimulate the Canberra market from a tourism perspective and we have also had a strong focus on getting our fair share of air travel from within the Government and Corporate travel sectors. Our evolving product and services both in-flight and on the ground are striking a chord with travellers and we continue to make inroads. As a direct result of this, we are keen to add even more flight options to the Canberra route network.”

Both Hobart and Townsville are brand new direct flight options from the ACT, with Virgin Blue the only carrier to offer non-stop services to the destinations.

The Canberra-Townsville daily flight presents an opportunity to benefit Defence equipment suppliers and contractors along with government personnel, as it offers direct access to the city which is home to Lavarack Barracks (Australia’s largest Army base), Ross Island Barracks (Army amphibious operations) and RAAF Base Townsville (Permanent and Reserve Air Force).

Virgin Blue has also identified a trend of Guests taking advantage of connecting services between Canberra and Hobart via Melbourne. The airline is keen to offer quicker and more convenient access to the Tasmanian capital, world famous for its environmental wonders, as well as its burgeoning gourmet food and wine scene.

Virgin Blue will operate the executive style EMBRAER jet on these routes, the same aircraft that operates the Capital Jet services between Canberra and Sydney.

Brett Godfrey added, “We are pleased to be increasing our presence in Canberra and are hopeful it will have flow on benefits not just for the local business and government sectors but also for tourism in Canberra and surrounds itself.”

"In the current economic climate, decisions where to direct our aircraft are not randomly pulled out of a hat. We believe there is potential demand to support these new flights, have been buoyed by support for existing Virgin Blue services and are hopeful that support will be extended to the Tasmania and Townsville services.”

Special online SALE FARES are on sale until midnight 7 April 2009 (or until sold out), for travel between 28 April - 25 June 2009 and 28 July – 17 September 2009.

Canberra – Hobart      $89* one-way on the internet

Canberra – Townsville      $169* one-way on the internet

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

* 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.