Virgin Blue expands International options to South East Asia

Virgin Blue announced today it has expanded its expression of interest for international services to include more potential destinations.

The low fare airline is still considering whether it will operate under the Virgin Blue name or a separate branding, however it believes after significant interest from parts of South East Asia, as well as the South Pacific, there was no reason not to expand the scope of potential destinations.

Virgin Blue Head of Commercial, David Huttner said, "With Qantas and Air New Zealand likely to monopolise the Tasman we thought that broadening the range of our review seemed like an appropriate measure".

"We hope to receive the same enthusiasm from South East Asian Tourism Authorities that we have already had from their industry colleagues in the South Pacific", he added.

Initial documents that were already sent to East Timor and Indonesia will also be forwarded to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, with the deadline for expressions to be extended until 31 December 2002.