Happy Birthday Polynesian Blue – one year celebration!

Polynesian Blue is celebrating its first birthday and sharing its success by launching a super seat sale for flights between Sydney and Apia available from today.

Polynesian Blue is a joint venture between Virgin Blue Airlines and the Government of Samoa and started operation in Apia for the first time almost twelve months ago, bringing a new era in air travel to the people of Samoa as well as a new Pacific destination to visit for Australian travellers.

Over the past year, Polynesian Blue has introduced competition to the local aviation market and affordable fares to local leisure and business travellers and played a key role in stimulating tourism to Samoa.

Polynesian Blue’s every day low fares normally start from AUD $449.00 one-way Sydney-Apia but from 9am Thursday October 26 until 9am Saturday October 28, a special 1st birthday sale fare of AUD $100* one way is up for grabs (unless sold out earlier). Travel period is 1 November to 30 November 2006.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “This is a very significant milestone for Polynesian Blue and the success of the joint venture has validated our strategy of seeking growth opportunities with partners such as the Government of Samoa”.  “For the first time in years, the country has a strong, viable and robust airline that is continuing to position Samoa as a highly desirable South Pacific destination and we are honoured to be playing a role in the future success and growth of Samoa.”

He continued, “We are excited to offer these fantastic super special birthday flights for the bargain price of AUD $100* and it is a great opportunity for people to see for themselves the unspoilt beauty that makes Samoa so special.”

The Hon Misa Telefoni, Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa said, “It is a very happy birthday for Polynesian Blue as the first year of operation has exceeded our greatest expectations.”  “The joint venture model has allowed us to welcome more Australian and New Zealand visitors to Samoa while at the same time giving local residents the opportunity to travel more often and more affordably.”

He continued, “As Polynesian Blue moves into its second year of operation, the airline is expected to further promote Samoa, foster growth and allow closer links between our people at home and our people living abroad.”

It’s been a big year for the airline, launching direct flights to and from New Zealand and Australia, announcing a pre-tax profit of NZD $1.19 million (approximately 2.22 million Tala#) for the period 30 October 2005 to June 2006 and staying true to its national heritage with Samoan crew and staff members.

Polynesian Blue is gearing up to increase capacity from Auckland to Apia return from November 4 with an additional weekly flight.  In the lead-up to the busy Christmas period, Polynesian Blue has also added an additional 20 one-off flights between Sydney and Apia and Auckland and Apia return to help families spend the festive season together.

* Seats are limited and fares are one-way on the net, or $15 more by phone and inclusive of taxes and surcharges. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per one way flight is applicable. 

The fare is on sale from 9am Thursday 26 October until 9am Saturday 28 October 2006 or until sold out, for travel between 1 November and 30 November 2006. 

Flights can be booked via the Internet (www.polynesianblue.com or www.virginblue.com.au or www.flypacificblue.com), through a travel agent or through the Guest Contact Centre on 0800 67 00 00 (in New Zealand) and 13 6789 (in Australia). Flights are offered by Polynesian Blue Limited using Pacific Blue Airline (NZ) Limited aircraft # Based on the average exchange rate for the period October 2005 – June 2006

Report by The Mole