Pacific Blue to launch Flights between Melbourne and Auckland

Pacific Blue is to launch flights between Melbourne and Auckland with daily return services starting from 22 September, 2008.

The new trans-Tasman flights will be operated by Virgin Blue’s international subsidiary Pacific Blue using 180-seat, Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Seats on the new trans-Tasman service from Melbourne to Auckland are now on sale, with a special launch fare of $199 one-way (including all taxes, fees and surcharges).

The $199 fares for travel between 22 September and 13 December, 2008 are available on the airline’s web site for a very limited time only.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey said the expansion was a logical next step for the airline group following the compelling success of Pacific Blue.

“We have been considering this route for some time, as we’re always interested in markets that are under-served,” Mr Godfrey said. “It makes sense to us and we’re confident air travellers will feel the same way. We plan to offer tremendous value on both sides of the Tasman which has got to be good for travellers and also for visitor numbers to Melbourne and Auckland at either end of the route.”

Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff added, “New Zealand is our largest market, more than double the UK (450,000). According to the latest passenger card data there are over 900,000 passenger movements to/from New Zealand per year, an increase of 5% from the previous year, and an average annual growth rate of 7% since 2004.”

Virgin Blue’s everyday low fares between Melbourne and Auckland will start from $279 one way on the internet (inclusive of taxes, fees and surcharges).

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