Virgin Blue adds SYD-HTI

[DJ737]

Hi there

This just in from DJ :

Thursday 14 May 2009: Virgin Blue has announced it will launch direct flights between Sydney and Hamilton Island, the Gateway to the world famous Whitsundays from 4 July 2009.

The airline’s new direct service will operate daily and provide a convenient link between the New South Wales capital and one of Queensland’s most popular tropical island getaways.

The decision to commit an aircraft to operate the Sydney-Hamilton Island route was made after close analysis around demand for connecting flights via the airline’s existing services from Brisbane to Hamilton Island.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “In the current climate, it is especially important to ensure we direct aircraft where we see sufficient demand and long term viability. Hamilton Island has long been a popular choice for both local and international travellers who fly to Hamilton Island via Brisbane and we are hopeful the new direct flight will entice even more visitors to experience the wonder of the Whitsundays.”

Glenn Bourke, CEO, Hamilton Island, said, "We are delighted that Virgin Blue is offering this new service to our guests from Sydney who will now be able to enjoy greater flexibility in their travels to and from Hamilton Island. This is also perfect timing for all that we have happening on the Island this year with Race Week in August and the opening of our new Yacht Club and Golf Club around the same time. We also believe that guests at our world class resort, qualia will be excited to take advantage of Virgin's Premium Economy experience”.

Importantly Virgin Blue flights from Sydney will bring some much needed competition to the route which is currently only serviced by one airline.

Virgin Blue’s daily direct flight will depart Sydney at 1015 and touch down at Hamilton Island at 1245 before departing the Island at 1315 and landing in Sydney at 1545.

To celebrate the much anticipated announcement, Virgin Blue is offering a fantastic sale fare of $99* one way between Sydney and Hamilton Island, just in time for Sydney locals to book a mid-winter getaway to the warmth and sunshine of the Whitsundays where the temperature for July often sits at around a pleasant 23 degrees. The special fare is on sale now until 18 May and is for travel between 4 July – 19 August 2009 and 1 November – 9 December 2009.
In the same way that Virgin Blue caters to both the leisure and business markets, Hamilton Island offers fantastic getaway options from the most exclusive accommodation and five star service to island bungalows to suit a more modest budget.

Brett Godfrey added, “Hamilton Island is also the launch point for those keen to explore the area or go island hopping to surrounding islands including Daydream, Hayman, Lizard and South Molle. We are excited to offer the new direct flight from Sydney and hope the combination of seriously low fares like our $99* launch special together with the convenience of a non stop service will inspire people to shake off their winter blues in the world famous Whitsundays.”

Cheers
DJ737

[Thomas the Tank]

Lizard Island? Perhaps Lindeman Is. is closer.

[Sunstar320]

Glenn Bourke, CEO, Hamilton Island

Sounds like a tough gig