VIRGIN BLUE TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO CHRISTMAS AND COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS

Virgin Blue will celebrate ‘Christmas in April’ this year as the airline confirms its intention to commence non-stop services between Perth and Christmas and Cocos (Keeling Islands) with fares from as little as $464* one-way on the net.

The three weekly flights to Christmas Island are set for take-off on Thursday 1 April 2010 (no joke!) with services between Perth and Cocos Island commencing shortly after on Saturday 3 April.  Flights between Cocos Island and Christmas Island will also commence on 3 April.

Virgin Blue has committed one of its executive-style Embraer E-190 jets onto the new routes, an aircraft which has the capacity to carry 104 Guests on each sector, upload more freight and reduce the overall flying time to and from the mainland.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said Virgin Blue was pleased to have been awarded the contract to provide services to Christmas and the Cocos Island, boosting its domestic network to 30 Australian destinations.

“The secret is finally out! Being literally only a few hours from Perth, Christmas and Cocos Islands are hands down two of the best, unspoilt and truly unique island holiday destinations our region has to offer.  As with other markets we’ve entered we’re confident our new services will further stimulate tourism to these most remarkable jewels in the Indian Ocean and also help to strengthen relations with the mainland.”

“It’s also great news for the people of Perth, who now have the option to fly domestically or internationally non-stop to 13 unique destinations on the Virgin Blue Airlines Group network,” he added.

The World Heritage Listed Christmas Island, which is renowned for its red crab migration in October and November, is the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, boosting an incredible 35 endemic species and acting as a breeding station for over 80,000 tropical sea birds.  Surrounded by a narrow tropical reef which plunges into a bottomless abyss, Christmas Island is an oasis for marine life, teeming with hundreds of species of coral and tropical fish, dolphins and majestic whale sharks.

The Cocos Islands is made up of two flat, low laying atolls and 27 coral islands surrounded by azure blue waters.  Offering a secluded, tranquil and uncomplicated holiday experience, Cocos Island is a true nature and water lover’s paradise.  Be it snorkelling, diving, island hopping, reef walking or fishing, bike riding, beach combing, bird watching, or golf, the Cocos Islands has something for everyone.

While the new flights are within the Australian domestic network, all services to and from Australia will arrive into and depart from Perth International Airport.

* All fares are one way for flights booked on the internet or $15 more when booked by phone. Fares are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or peak times. For Virgin Blue bookings log on to www.virginblue.com.au or phone our award winning Guest Contact Centre on 13 6789 or contact a travel agent.  Checked baggage charges apply to all Blue Saver and GO! Fares. Pre-pay $10 online for up to 23kgs of checked baggage per person one way flight, or pay $20 at the airport for the same allowance.