Virgin Blue announces new Qld schedules

Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey yesterday flew into Mackay with Queensland Premier Peter Beattie to announce the launch of direct Virgin Blue flights between Mackay and Sydney from Wednesday 3 May, 2006.

To kick off the new services, special $99 “Fly-High Mackay!” promotional fares go on sale today on Virgin Blue’s web site.  The $99 specials (which include GST and all other taxes) are on sale until midnight 02 April, 2006 for travel between

3 May to 29 June, 2006.  Regular prices will include one-way Mid Week Mini Fares from $119* on the net while everyday low fares will start from $139* one-way on the net.

Virgin Blue will offer four direct Mackay-Sydney services each week, initially on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.  The new flights will compliment the existing triple daily direct flights from Mackay to Brisbane following the carrier’s launch of Mackay services more than four years ago.

Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey said, “We reviewed feedback from the Mackay community and the desire for direct Mackay-Sydney flights came through loud and clear.”

He continued, “A direct Sydney service was top of the Mackay community’s “wish list”, and as we have a brand new aircraft joining the fleet in May, and after comprehensive consideration of a range of route options across Australia, we have committed to boosting services to regional Queensland.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said: “This is terrific news for the Mackay/ Whitsunday region, with Sydney-siders now having even more reason to come to Tropical North Queensland and explore its many attractions.

In a double whammy for regional Queensland, Virgin Blue has today confirmed it will also offer direct Sydney flights three times a week from Rockhampton from 4 May.

“As a Queensland based airline, we support the region’s that support us and we urge the Mackay community to get behind the new Virgin Blue flights to ensure a successful ongoing relationship that benefits local business, tourism and the community”, Brett Godfrey finished.

To kick off the new services special $89 “You Rock! Rocky” promotional fares go on sale today on Virgin Blue’s web site.  The $89 specials (which include GST and all other taxes) are on sale until midnight 2 April, 2006 for travel between 4 May to 29 June, 2006.  Regular prices will include one-way Mid Week Mini Fares from $109* on the net while everyday low fares will start from $129* one-way on the net.