Australian Airlines sells out first flights to Bali

Australian Airlines said today that there has been overwhelming public support for its two newest destinations with two flights sold out and subsequent services filling fast.

All seats on the inaugural service to Bali on 27 June have been snapped up, just six weeks after they were first announced. The second Bali service on 4 July has also sold out. Only a handful of seats remain on the inaugural service to Sabah in Malaysia on 29 June and the following two flights.

Australian Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Andrea Staines said the positive response to these flights was very encouraging for the airline and great news for tourism in Bali and Sabah.

"We made the commitment to operate four services per week to Bali because we expected to see a resurgence of travellers to this popular holiday destination," Ms Staines said. "So it is wonderful to see that the travelling public shares our enthusiasm.

"Our non-stop weekly service from Melbourne, with connections to and from Sydney, has been embraced by holiday makers with the first two flights sold out and only a handful of seats left on the third flight.

"The three weekly non-stop services to Bali from Sydney, which start on 25 July, are also selling fast."

Ms Staines said there had been enormous interest in Sabah as it was the first time any airline had flown there non-stop from Australia.

"While holidaymakers from Europe and Asia have known about Sabah for some time, we will have the pleasure of introducing this wonderful destination to Australians and New Zealanders. 

"Sabah, like Bali, is a destination that suits all budgets and travel preferences. There is so much to see and do, with rainforests, mountains, white sand beaches and wildlife including the much loved orangutans."

Services between Sydney and Sabah start on 29 June followed by services between Cairns and Sabah via Singapore from 30 July.