Virgin Blue to launch direct Adelaide - Hobart flights

Virgin Blue today announced it will begin daily direct flights between Adelaide and Hobart from 2 November 2004, making it the only carrier to operate scheduled services between the two cities.

The low fare airline currently offers a connecting service via Melbourne but has committed to allocating an aircraft to the new direct service due to popular demand.

The non-stop flights will initially operate three times a week as a seasonal service over the summer and the airline will monitor the route’s progress with a view to extending the schedule year round if there is sufficient demand.

Virgin Blue’s newest Tasmanian service follows the announcement of ongoing daily direct flights between Sydney-Hobart and Sydney-Launceston, commencing 2 and 4 September respectively.

The airline’s Head of Strategy and Communication, David Huttner, said, ”Virgin Blue is continuing its well established tradition of ‘hub-busting’, by offering people direct services to where they want to go, instead of being forced to change aircraft on the way.

He continued, “The people from both Tasmania and South Australia have been great supporters of our services since day one and that loyalty has been unwavering. Today’s announcement is the continuation of our desire to repay their support.”

The low fare airline has put in place one of its well known “wow” launch fare offers, with flights up for grabs for A$99 one-way on the net on sale now until 15 August, for travel between 2 November and 8 December 2004. Everyday low fares start from A$129 one-way on the net.

Operating on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the flights offer a convenient leisure friendly, mid-morning departure from Adelaide with a lunchtime return, allowing travellers to make the most of their time in either destination.

With both States being famous for world class wine and cuisine and stunning natural beauty, this route has strong tourism traffic in both directions.