Virgin Blue to launch direct flights between Perth and Broom

Virgin Blue is to offer direct intra WA services with a brand new flight between Perth and Broome from 7 September 2004.

The low fare carrier already operates to both destinations from other ports but it will be the first time Virgin Blue will fly direct services within Western Australia.

The airline said that the decision was made following intense lobbying by the WA community for an affordable option between the two key WA destinations as well as for more service to Broome from the east coast of Australia.

Virgin Blue has re-jigged its schedule to free up an aircraft to initially allow for three flights a week to judge support for the route.

The flights will operate on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday offering a convenient late afternoon departure from Perth with an early evening return, allowing travellers to make the most of their time in this WA holiday haven.

Virgin Blue spokesperson Amanda Bolger said, “The people of WA have really gone into bat for us from the first day we began flights to the west coast almost three years ago and that loyalty has been unwavering. We have always said we will back the regions that back us and these additional new services are a direct result of support and demand from the people of Western Australia.”

The low fare airline is offering a special “wow” launch fare offer of A$149 one-way on the net, on sale from now until 8 August for travel between 7 September and 30 September 2004. Everyday low fares will start from A$199 one-way on the net.

Amanda Bolger continued, “For the people of Perth, this gives yet another fantastic direct Virgin Blue flight option to one of Australia’s key tourism destinations right in their own backyard. For those lucky enough to be based in Broome, it offers an affordable and convenient direct Virgin Blue flight to the state capital to do some business or to visit family and friends.”

Connections to Broome will also be available from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne and Sydney via Perth to compliment connections already available on Saturdays via Virgin Blue’s direct Adelaide-Broome flight.

The first Perth-Broome flight will launch one week after Virgin Blue’s fourth birthday celebrations, marking four years since the airline first took to Australian skies.