22 July 2009

Port Hedland has been earmarked as Virgin Blues newest destination, with the airline today announcing plans to begin servicing the West Australian mining community with direct flights from Perth to Port Hedland from 4 August 2009.

The decision to direct an aircraft on to the new route follows enthusiastic campaigning by the local council for Virgin Blue to bring its competitive fares and Virgin style of service to the people of Port Hedland, after the airline successfully began services to neighbouring mining communities Karratha and Newman in October last year.

Virgin Blue will operate a daily service between the WA capital and Port Hedland using the modern executive style EMBRAER Jet aircraft which are tailored to suit the needs of non-metropolitan communities.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, We are very pleased to be adding Port Hedland to Virgin Blues extensive route network. We visited WA late last year and made a pledge to focus more on regional WA and todays announcement is honouring part of that pledge.

He added, Our commercial team has been in discussions with Port Hedland Council for some months and their efforts to entice Virgin Blue have been very much appreciated. The end result of their enthusiasm has been our decision to commence services.

Council has undertaken to upgrade the airport terminal facilities to accommodate Virgin Blues infrastructure requirements such as check-in desks and an office.

Town of Port Hedland Mayor, Cr Stan Martin, welcomed the news of Virgin Blues arrival plans.

This is tremendous news for the local community and we are very pleased that Virgin Blue has seen fit to extend its services to include Port Hedland. Previous history, including in our own Pilbara backyard, has shown what competition can do for a region and we are hopeful there will be many flow on benefits for the people and businesses of Port Hedland, he said.

Virgin Blue has also announced it will offer a special launch fare of $99* one way on the internet between Port Hedland and Perth.

Brett Godfrey added, The start of Virgin Blue services will benefit not just the mining community and local businesses that support mining operations but also those living in Port Hedland who want a decent fare when travelling for pleasure.

Currently, there is only one airline operating flights between Port Hedland and Perth and the introduction of Virgin Blue flights is expected to bring some much needed competitive relief in air fares.

Its no co-incidence that other airlines suddenly pick up their game when competition encourages them to do so and Virgin Blue is committed to staying true to our consumer champion roots. At the same time we look forward to bringing our award winning service style to a new group of travellers who are set to reap the benefits of having another choice of airline within coming weeks, Brett Godfrey finished.

Virgin Blue will offer connecting flights between Port Hedland and Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Special sale fares are up for grabs. The special fare is on sale now until midnight 5 July 2009 for travel between 4 August10 December 09.