Pacific Blue Ramps Up Trans-Tasman Capacity

13 September 2004

Pacific Blue Ramps Up Capacity Between NZ And Queensland

Two New Direct Routes Equals More Trans Tasman Low Fares Monday 13 September: Pacific Blue has announced it will continue its Trans Tasman expansion by launching two brand new routes as of November as a result of strong support and requests for more flight options.

The two new services will be:

Christchurch – Gold Coast direct Wellington – Brisbane direct

The Virgin Blue owned NZ based International carrier has identified Queensland’s Sunshine State as a hugely popular choice for Kiwis, with New Zealand also proving a hit with Queenslanders.

The new flights will begin in November and recognise the importance of the Queensland market to New Zealand holiday makers, who have made it clear they enjoy low fares as well as great service on brand new jets whether they are flying for business, to visit family or friends or to soak up some of the well known sunshine, surf and sand.

Head of Strategy & Communications, David Huttner, said, “The statistics speak for themselves and clearly indicate that Queensland is one of the most popular international holiday destinations for New Zealanders, while a growing number of Queenslanders see New Zealand as an exciting and convenient holiday option. More and more Australians are taking short breaks to different regions of New Zealand with the Wellington region offering a great choice of cultural offerings, award winning wineries and the nearby Abel Tasman National Park. Further south, Christchurch is proving to be the ideal gateway for the stunning scenery of the south island. We are confident the expansion of Pacific Blue routes will stimulate more people to travel more often, for less”.

Pacific Blue currently operates services from Christchurch to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne as well as between Wellington and Sydney. The airline identified the need for direct flights from the Gold Coast to Christchurch due to the large number of people taking advantage of Pacific Blue’s existing Brisbane-Christchurch flight and then driving to and from the Gold Coast.

The new service between Christchurch and the Gold Coast will operate twice a week, as will the Wellington-Brisbane service.

The Wellington to Brisbane service is great news for the local Wellington community who will be able to take advantage of Pacific Blue’s connecting flights with Virgin Blue to other key Australian destinations such as Cairns and Melbourne.

As always, Pacific Blue has made it its mission to make flying more affordable by offering a special launch fare of $149* one-way on the net that is on sale from now until 19 September 2004, for travel between 1 November to 15 December 2004. Everyday low fares on both routes will start from $219* one way on the net.

David Huttner continued, “Pacific Blue has the fastest growing route network on the Trans Tasman market thanks to the ongoing support of both Australian and New Zealand travellers.

We are giving the other carriers a bit of a run for their money, as can be seen by the expanding services of our competitors into regions where we have launched services. We welcome the competition and are happy our low fares have inspired other airlines to offer more reasonable prices as well.

We are confident travellers will continue to vote with their backsides and support the airline that represents low fares, great service and a genuine commitment to making flying across the Tasman an affordable and easy option,” he finished.

While the airline will initially operate both routes twice a week, flight frequency is expected to increase as demand grows.

* All fares are for flights booked on the Internet. $10 more by phone. Fares are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or peak days. Pacific Blue Airlines (NZ) Limited is Virgin Blue’s New Zealand based low fare carrier, operating three brand new 737-800’s. For Pacific Blue bookings log on to www.flypacificblue.com, phone 0800 67 00 00 or contact your travel agent.

SCHEDULE

WELLINGTON – BRISBANE – EFFECTIVE 2 NOVEMBER 2004
FLIGHT N0 DEP ARR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
DJ 11 7.00AM 8.45AM Q Q
BRISBANE – WELLINGTON – EFFECTIVE 1 NOVEMBER 2004
FLIGHT N0 DEP ARR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
DJ 18 5.40PM 12.05AM Q
DJ 18 6.05PM 12.30AM Q

CHRISTCHURCH – GOLD COAST – EFFECTIVE 2 NOVEMBER 2004
FLIGHT N0 DEP ARR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
DJ 57 3.25PM 4.10PM Q
DJ 57 3.45PM 4.30PM Q

GOLD COAST – CHRISTCHURCH – EFFECTIVE 2 NOVEMBER 2004
FLIGHT N0 DEP ARR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
DJ 56 4.55PM 11.20PM Q
DJ 56 5.15PM 11.40PM Q

ENDS

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