Virgin Australia to Commence Services to Emerald

The Virgin Australia group of airlines will commence double-daily week day services* from Brisbane to the town of Emerald in the central highlands of Queensland from 16 January 2012.

Virgin Australia Group Executive - Alliances, Network and Yield, Merren McArthur said the ATR turbo prop services would bring much needed competition to the region and would provide links to Virgin Australia’s domestic and international services as well as those of partner airlines: Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Delta Air Lines and Air New Zealand.

“We’re proud to add Emerald to the growing network of regional destinations that Virgin Australia now serves. Emerald is a booming town situated in the heart of Queensland’s Bowen Basin, the largest coal reserve in Australia. Our new services will bring choice and competitive fares for travel to and from this important mining hub,” she said.

“The ATR-72 aircraft is a 68-seater turbo-prop aircraft with a spacious and stylish cabin in keeping with Virgin Australia’s new business model.”

Virgin Australia will also operate the ATR on:

• Double daily week-day return services between Brisbane and Gladstone from 17 October*;
• Daily return services between Brisbane and Port Macquarie from 19 October*;
• Double daily services between Sydney and Port Macquarie from 19 October*; and
• Up to six daily return services between Sydney to Canberra from 19 October*.

*Flights subject to regulatory approvals.