Virgin Blue brings low airfares to Hobart, Australia

Gone are the days of outrageous and overpriced air fares for the people of Hobart, with Virgin Blue touching down in the state capital for the first time today, bringing with it an affordable era in air travel.

Virgin Blue's inaugural flight DJ 182 will land at Hobart International Airport at 12.50pm heralding the arrival of real competition, modern 737 jets and Virgin Blue's unique friendly service.

Virgin Group Chairman, Sir Richard Branson has flown in to take part in launch celebrations and special in-flight activities will include free champagne, fundraising auctions to raise money for the Guide Dog Association and in traditional Virgin Blue launch flight form, a few surprises.

Flights between Hobart and Melbourne start from $99* one-way on the net with a Fully Flexible fare of $209* one-way on the net, 1/3 off the Qantas's Full Y fare of $323 one-way.

As well as the direct service to Melbourne, smooth connections will also be offered from Hobart to Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney, all timed so Guests have a convenient average connection time of 80 minutes.

Sir Richard said, "12 months ago I visited Launceston and said to Premier Bacon and the people of Tasmania that if you support us, we'll support you. Since then, Virgin Blue has added more flights to Launceston and now a new service to Hobart.

For about six weeks last year, the people of Hobart got a taste of what low fares can do for the market. Virgin Blue is committed to offering long-term low fares while at the same time providing a high quality service and the option to fly in the biggest passenger aircraft operating out of Hobart."

Adding Hobart to the Virgin Blue's growing route network is a significant move for the low fare carrier, with every capital city in the country now covered.

"For a state that is isolated in terms of road access to the mainland, affordable air travel is not a luxury, it's a necessity and Virgin Blue is all about entering a new market, dragging down the airfares and inspiring traditional carriers to offer more reasonable fares", he added.

Sir Richard continued, "Our experience has proven that if you lower fares, you stimulate the market and we are hopeful both Hobart based business, government and leisure travellers will all throw their support behind Virgin Blue so we can ensure continued competition ".

While it's early days, forward bookings for the Hobart-Melbourne service are looking good, with the new flights expected to boost local tourism as well as allow business travellers to keep their travel budget in the black and State Government to save taxpayers money. As support grows, so too will the number of flights and destination options from Hobart.

The daily flights will operate from the former Ansett terminal, with access to a modern, efficient facility a major benefit to Virgin Blue and Guests. 

* All fares include the passenger ticket levy, airport charges and the global security charge and are for flights booked on the Internet. $10 more by phone.