Pacific Blue Suspends All New Zealand Services

BRISBANE 22 JUNE 2011: Virgin Australia Group of Airlines international subsidiary, Pacific Blue, has suspended all services into and out of New Zealand today, 22 June 2011, until further notice because of the volcanic ash plume from Chilean volcano, Cordon Caulle.

The latest forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre indicates the ash plume is moving eastward and is currently expected to be over both islands of New Zealand for at least the next 24 hours, preventing the operation of regular scheduled services.

This includes all Trans-Tasman services and all services to and from the Pacific Islands from New Zealand.

As a result, there are some flow on affects on Pacific Blue flights between Australia and the Pacific Islands.

The Virgin Australia Group of Airlines is endeavouring to contact affected Guests to discuss alternative travel options.

Regular updates are being posted on our website and Guests are urged to check it for the latest information available - www.virginaustralia.com or www.flypacificblue.com.

Guests with non-essential travel should also reassess their need to travel. The website has a suite of information relating to changes without penalty and other flexible travel arrangements.

ENDS

Media Enquiries: Colin Lippiatt 0423 028 046 or Melissa Thomson 0408 660 891