Virgin Blue launches Perth-Christmas Island flights
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Thursday 1 April: Virgin Blue’s inaugural flight from Perth to Christmas Island will take off this afternoon from Perth International Airport at 1.20pm, with direct services between Perth and Cocos Island commencing next Tuesday 6 April.
The airline will operate two direct flights weekly between Perth and Christmas Island on Thursdays and Saturdays and a third service weekly via the Cocos (Keeling) Islands on Tuesdays.
Virgin Blue has committed an executive-style Embraer E-190 jet onto the new routes, an aircraft which has more seat capacity and the capability to fly non-stop to the islands, negating the need for the aircraft to stopover in Learmonth for re-fuelling like the previous carrier.
Virgin Blue Airlines Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “Interest in travel to this region has already increased with the introduction of our low fares and we’re confident tourism to both Christmas and Cocos Islands will continue to grow now the secret about these beautiful locations is out.”
The addition of Christmas and Cocos Islands to Virgin Blue’s growing network means the people of Perth have the option to fly domestically or internationally non-stop to 13 destinations on the Virgin Blue Airlines Group network.
Lead-in fares from Perth to Christmas Island start from just $464* one-way on the net - significantly cheaper than fares offered by previous carriers to the island.
Linda Cash of Christmas Island Tourism Association, said, “This is the biggest boost to tourism the island has ever seen!
“Virgin Blue’s new service to Christmas Island is a win, win, win for both the local community and tourists - increased seat capacity, less time in the air and, most importantly, better value.
“This increase in accessibility means people who have only ever dreamt of travelling to our shores for our famous crab migration, whalesharks, seabirds and rainforest can finally explore our natural wonders,” Linda Cash finished.
While the new flights are within the Australian domestic network, all services to and from Australia will arrive into and depart from Perth International Airport. Connecting fares are also available from all over Virgin Blue’s extensive network.
* 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. Checked baggage charges apply to all Blue Saver and GO! Fares. Pre-pay $10 online for up to 23kgs of checked baggage per person one way flight, or pay $20 at the airport for the same allowance.
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