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Virgin Australia announces Tokyo flight launch
Virgin Australia has unveiled details of its landmark new route to Tokyo.
The carrier will start flying daily from Brisbane to Tokyo Haneda in time for next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games.
The new route begins on March 29.
The International Air Services Commission granted Virgin one of two flight slots available at Haneda for Aussie carriers.
Rival Qantas wanted both.
Haneda is the closer of two airports to downtown Tokyo where slots are limited and highly prized.
"We’re excited that travellers will now be able to make the most of our competitive airfares on flights to and from Japan," the airline told news.com.au.
"It’s about time someone brought competition to the monopoly market between Brisbane and Tokyo.
The airline will use Airbus 330-200 on the route.
"Our new reciprocal codeshare and frequent flyer partnership with All Nippon Airways, means travellers will be able to travel to a range of destinations within Japan as well as across our domestic locations," Virgin said.
Queensland tourism industry development minister Kate Jones said it is a big boost for inbound tourism, bringing an extra 100,000 travellers to the state.
"This is a great day for the Queensland tourism industry. We know the Japanese love our state, with almost half of all travellers from Japan to Australia coming to Queensland. We also know that when Japanese travellers come to Queensland, they spend big," Jones said.
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