Pacific Blue to launch direct flights between Australia and Vanuatu

Virgin's low fare International carrier, Pacific Blue has set its sights on one of the region's most beautiful island holiday spots, today announcing plans to begin direct flights between Australia and Vanuatu from September 2004 subject to regulatory approvals in both countries.

It follows hot on the heels of the recent announcement that the airline plans to launch services between Australia and Fiji during the same month.

A Pacific Blue delegation met with the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, the Hon Edward Natapei and indicated that the airline will submit the appropriate applications later this month to the respective government authorities.

Pacific Blue will team up with Virgin Blue in a joint effort to launch these affordable air services in and out of stunning Vanuatu.

The carrier intends to offer a twice weekly service to Vanuatu from Australia and while final schedules and pricing will be announced in the coming months, the airline intends to have services at the end of the weekend making them convenient for honeymooners and family holidays alike.

In addition, the airline plans on having flights that arrive at reasonable hours where possible allowing adventure travellers quick connections to the outer islands of Vanuatu and newlyweds the chance to enjoy a romantic sunset cocktail together in an island paradise.

Head of Strategy and Communications for Virgin Blue/Pacific Blue, David Huttner said "Whether visiting Tanna's active volcano, or the home of Bungy Jumping in Pentecost Island or one of the great and most accessible dive sites of the Pacific, the wreck of the SS President Coolidge in Espiritu Santo, people will want to move beyond the capital to see more of this archipelago nation."

David Huttner continued "Clearly there is great potential to provide more Australians with the opportunity to visit a destination that is beautiful, exotic and yet so close to Australia. Through convenient and affordable connections beyond Melbourne and Brisbane to Canberra we hope to let more people than ever experience this truly special place".

Development of tourism beyond Port Vila and opening new Australian tourism markets were among the key items on the agenda today when the Prime Minister and his officials met with Mr. Huttner and the Pacific Blue team.