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Virgin Blue begins daily flights between Rockhampton and Brisbane with the
first passenger service touching down at Rockhampton airport this
afternoon.
It follows hot on the hooves of Virgin Group Chairman
Sir Richard Branson's recent visit to the city, when he announced the low fare airline would
introduce its great fares, and exceptional service, to Central Queensland.
In typical Virgin Blue launch flight tradition, the crew will adopt a
destination-based theme for the inaugural service, based around Rockhampton's famous rodeos.
Among the activities for the first day, a lively in-flight auction to raise
money for the Farmhand Drought Appeal, on board t-shirt giveaway, a special
launch day champagne service and a welcome BBQ on arrival in Rockhampton.
As part of launch celebrations, the low fare airline is also offering a
special sale fare of $79** between Rockhampton and Brisbane for travel from
26 December until 28 February 2003.
The new route demonstrates Virgin Blue's commitment to regional Australia
and is the result of ongoing demand for a low fare flying alternative to and
from Rockhampton.
Virgin Blue spokesperson David Huttner said, "We are excited to be
continuing our foray into more of our home state regions, bringing Virgin's
famous low fares and award winning service on the largest aircraft flying in
to Central Queensland."
He continued, "By offering low fares, Virgin Blue believes it can expand the
market and allow people to fly who otherwise would have had to load their
family into the car for a seven hour trek or simply stayed at home. That's
great for the people of Rocky and for the entire Capricorn Coast Tourism
industry."
Virgin Blue will operate its 737 aircraft on the Rockhampton-Brisbane route
with one daily flight scheduled initially.
The people of Rockhampton will also be able to take advantage of great fares
to head further south, with convenient connections to Sydney, Melbourne and
Adelaide.
"Virgin Blue has always been about low fares and creating growth and has
proven its growth stimulus model works in many other regional markets across
the country. We look forward to the same great support from all sectors,
including the business and tourism community of Rockhampton, that we've had
from other Queensland destinations", finished David Huttner.
Every day low fares start from $94* one-way on the net with a Fully Flexible
fare of $249* one-way on the net, 35% cheaper than Qantas's fully flexible
fare of $387.30 one-way.
* All fares include GST, passenger ticket levy, airport charges and the
global security charge and are for flights booked on the Internet. $10 more
by phone.
** Sale period from 9 Dec - 5 Jan 03 for travel from 26 Dec 02 until 28 Feb
03. All fares include GST, passenger ticket levy, airport charges and the
global security charge and are for flights booked on the Internet. $10 more
by phone. |
