Port Hedland destination

VIRGIN BLUE TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO PORT HEDLAND

NEW COMPETITION MEANS SOME “ORESOME” FARES FOR PORT HEDLAND COMMUNITY

No need to dig deep with Virgin Blue offering a red-dirt cheap fare of $99* one way

Tuesday 30 June 2009: Port Hedland has been earmarked as Virgin Blue’s newest destination, with the airline today announcing plans to begin servicing the West Australian mining community with direct flights from Perth to Port Hedland from 4 August 2009.

The decision to direct an aircraft on to the new route follows enthusiastic campaigning by the local council for Virgin Blue to bring its competitive fares and Virgin style of service to the people of Port Hedland, after the airline successfully began services to neighbouring mining communities Karratha and Newman in October last year.

Virgin Blue will operate a daily service between the WA capital and Port Hedland using the modern executive style EMBRAER Jet aircraft which are tailored to suit the needs of non-metropolitan communities.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “We are very pleased to be adding Port Hedland to Virgin Blue’s extensive route network. We visited WA late last year and made a pledge to focus more on regional WA and today’s announcement is honouring part of that pledge.”

He added, “Our commercial team has been in discussions with Port Hedland Council for some months and their efforts to entice Virgin Blue have been very much appreciated. The end result of their enthusiasm has been our decision to commence services.”

Council has undertaken to upgrade the airport terminal facilities to accommodate Virgin Blue’s infrastructure requirements such as check-in desks and an office.

Town of Port Hedland Mayor, Cr Stan Martin, welcomed the news of Virgin Blue’s arrival plans.

“This is tremendous news for the local community and we are very pleased that Virgin Blue has seen fit to extend its services to include Port Hedland. Previous history, including in our own Pilbara backyard, has shown what competition can do for a region and we are hopeful there will be many flow on benefits for the people and businesses of Port Hedland”, he said.

Virgin Blue has also announced it will offer a special launch fare of $99* one way on the internet between Port Hedland and Perth.

Brett Godfrey added, “The start of Virgin Blue services will benefit not just the mining community and local businesses that support mining operations but also those living in Port Hedland who want a decent fare when travelling for pleasure.”

Currently, there is only one airline operating flights between Port Hedland and Perth and the introduction of Virgin Blue flights is expected to bring some much needed competitive relief in air fares.

“It’s no co-incidence that other airlines suddenly pick up their game when competition encourages them to do so and Virgin Blue is committed to staying true to our consumer champion roots. At the same time we look forward to bringing our award winning service style to a new group of travellers who are set to reap the benefits of having another choice of airline within coming weeks”, Brett Godfrey finished.

Virgin Blue will offer connecting flights between Port Hedland and Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Special sale fares are up for grabs. The special fare is on sale now until midnight 5 July 2009 for travel between 4 August–10 December 09.

Port Hedland – Perth   $99* one way on the net  Port Hedland – Melbourne $249* one way on the net

Port Hedland – Sydney    $249* one way on the net  Port Hedland – Brisbane $279* one way on the net

Port Hedland – Adelaide $249* one way on the net

Interested in doing business with Virgin Blue? Contact the Corporate Sales team at business@virginblue.com.au

PERTH – PORT HEDLAND VIRGIN BLUE FLIGHT SCHEDULE

PORT HEDLAND - PERTH VIRGIN BLUE FLIGHT SCHEDULE

* 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. 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.