Virgin Blue increases capacity to Whitsunday region

Virgin Blue is ramping up capacity to the stunning Whitsunday region, today launching a brand new daily service between Brisbane and the Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine - PPP) with convenient connections from southern capitals.

The low fare carrier already operates weekly between Sydney and the Whitsunday Coast but the airline said that huge demand for more seats has prompted them to introduce the new daily service from Brisbane.

The inaugural Brisbane-Whitsunday Coast flight, DJ 953, will take off at 9.00am, landing at Whitsunday Coast Airport at 10.30am, bringing with it a full load of Guests who will be given a warm tropical welcome by local tourism authorities.

Virgin Blue spokesperson, Amanda Bolger, said "We came into the region six months ago with our weekly Sydney flight to test demand and needless to say, it proved a popular choice. Today's launch is a direct response to ongoing demand to provide a daily option out of Brisbane for Guest flexibility and convenience."

She continued, "We'd already seen so many people travelling to and from the Whitsundays via our popular Mackay service as this was their only affordable daily option. Virgin Blue believes that the people from the entire region, from Bowen on down, deserve convenient, affordable, friendly jet service in and out of their home airport."

"Forward bookings are already trending strongly, especially for the upcoming holiday period and we are excited to be offering more people the opportunity to fly to such a beautiful destination.

The new service will see Virgin Blue jump from 288 seats in and out of the Whitsunday Coast Airport each week to over 2,300 seats a week, proving a huge boost to tourism and travellers.

Fares start from $109* one-way on the net (Mid-Week Mini-Fare), offering a realistic dream holiday option to those people who had been unable to afford flights into the heart of the Whitsundays in the past. Buses are available from the airport to provide easy transfers to both Airlie Beach and the Island resorts via Shute Harbour.

"International visitors and backpackers have long enjoyed the beauty of the Whitsunday region and Australians are also beginning to appreciate the fact they have a paradise playground in their own backyard. Fantastic fares and efficient aircraft that reduce the flying time make a Whitsunday holiday an ideal  option, whether it be chartering a yacht around the Islands or checking into a resort at Airlie Beach."

Convenient daily connections are available to and from the Whitsundays from Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

Virgin Blue said it will monitor ongoing support for the new flights and if there is further demand, will look at introducing even more services in the future.

* All fares include airport charges and the global security charge and are for flights booked on the Internet. $10 more by phone. Mid-Week Mini-Fares are for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and are subject to availability.