VIRGIN BLUE TO LAUNCH BRAND NEW DIRECT SERVICES FROM SYDNEY-AYERS ROCK (ULURU)

Virgin Blue has announced plans to launch flights to one of Australia’s most iconic and revered tourist destinations.

From Monday 2 August, the airline will begin direct flights from Sydney to Ayers Rock (Uluru), providing some much needed competition on the route.

Both Australian and international leisure travellers will have the opportunity to fly with Virgin Blue to visit the landmark that is undeniably Australian and recognised both in this country and globally.

Virgin Blue will commence with a daily flight, operating an EMBRAER E-190 aircraft to carry 104 Guests to and from this iconic attraction.

Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “Virgin Blue turns ten in August and what better way to celebrate than with the launch of new services to the heart of Australia.”

“The timing is right for us to launch a new route as we take delivery of a new E-Jet later this year and we looked at a number of options before deciding Ayers Rock (Uluru) was the ideal destination to commit our new resources to. The decision reflects our view regarding the importance of Ayers Rock (Uluru) to the tourism industry and indeed to visitors from our own backyard, as well as from all over the world, who flock to the rock each year to marvel at the natural landmark.”

Virgin Blue will launch a special “Rock Across to Ayers Rock” celebratory fare of $149* one way on the internet which is on sale from now until midnight 21 March 2010 for travel between 3 August 2010 – 23 September and 12 October - 16 December 2010. Everyday fares will start from $199* one way on the internet.

Brett Godfrey added, “We expect to find the only airline currently operating on the route will see fit to suddenly offer more reasonable fares. As the airline that introduced low fares to Australia ten years ago, we are excited to be expanding our route network to include Ayers Rock.”

Connecting flights will also be available from a number of other Australian destinations including Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth.

Virgin Blue has worked closely with the Ayers Rock airport authority to ensure the airport infrastructure will be ready in August for Virgin Blue flights to commence. The airport will upgrade existing check-in counters as well as build additional baggage belt facilities.

Premium Economy will also be available on the new route.