Virgin Blue launches flights between Sydney - Hervey Bay

Virgin Blue today launched its new flights between Sydney and Hervey Bay/Fraser Coast Gateway Airport.

Virgin Blue Chief Commercial Officer, Stefan Pichler said, “Virgin Blue was the first carrier to commit to Hervey Bay, prompting the redevelopment and upgrade of the airport to accommodate our Boeing 737 aircraft. We applaud Hervey Bay Council for recognising the importance of high quality jet services to the tourism industry and in particular its potential to boost visitor numbers as Virgin Blue has done in many other regional centres such as Coffs Harbour.”

The flights arrive just in time for visitors to witness the spectacular annual humpback whale migration and popular Hervey Bay Whale Festival. Its close proximity to both Fraser and Lady Elliot Islands presents a number of holiday options, whether it is exploring the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef or experiencing the bird and marine life.

Virgin Blue First Officer, Paul Stocks, who grew up in Hervey Bay and took his first job flying between Hervey Bay and Fraser Island returnred to his home town as part of the operating crew on the inaugural flight. Stock said, “It’s going to be a special flight for me and I’m very excited to be part of this historical flight into my old stomping ground, albiet in a slightly bigger aircraft than the last time when I landed a Cessna 206 at Hervey Bay.”

The low cost carrier will initially operate Fraser Coast services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with flights scheduled to depart Sydney at 11.05am and land the Fraser Coast at 12.50pm, before turning around and departing Fraser Coast at 1.50pm, touching down at Sydney at 3.35pm.

Fares for Virgin Blue flights between Fraser Coast and Sydney will initially start from A$79 one way on the Internet.

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