Virgin Blue to launch Flights between Perth and Port Hedland

Port Hedland has been earmarked as Virgin Blue’s newest destination, with the airline announcing plans to begin servicing the West Australian mining community with direct flights from Perth to Port Hedland from 4 August 2009.

Perth Airport CEO Brad Geatches said Virgin Blue’s decision to fly to this West Australian mining
community brings more competition to the route and more choice for Western Australian travellers.

“Currently, only one airline operates flights between Perth and Port Hedland and the introduction of
this new service by Virgin Blue means that travellers can expect more competitively priced fares and
greater flexibility when travelling within Western Australia.

The new Virgin Blue service from Perth to Port Hedland will operate seven days a week from Perth
Airport’s Domestic Terminal 3.

The announcement of the new service comes at a time when Perth Airport embarks on the major
redevelopment of the roads, forecourt and walkways at the Domestic Terminals.

Improvements include streamlining the roads, introducing a new passenger pick up and drop off point, widening the footpath in front of the terminals, new undercover walkways and doubling the size of the current taxi pick up area. Completion of the works is expected in early 2010.

Virgin Blue will operate a daily service between the WA capital and Port Hedland using the modern executive style Embraer Jet aircraft which are tailored to suit the needs of non-metropolitan communities.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “We are very pleased to be adding Port Hedland to Virgin Blue’s extensive route network. We visited WA late last year and made a pledge to focus more on regional WA and today’s announcement is honouring part of that pledge.”

Virgin Blue is offering a special launch fare of A$99 one way between Port Hedland and Perth. The special fare is on sale now until midnight 5 July 2009 for travel between 4 August–10 December 09.

Virgin Blue will offer connecting flights between Port Hedland and Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

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