Pacific Blue Celebrates New Ak-Melbourne Route

MEDIA RELEASE

Pacific Blue Celebrates New Auckland-Melbourne Route With $179* Fare

28 July 2008: New Zealand airline Pacific Blue today announced a significant addition to its international network with daily flights between Auckland and Melbourne to begin in September.

Seats for the new trans-Tasman service from Auckland to Melbourne will be available for sale from 1.00pm (NZST) today with a special launch sale fare of $179*.

Pacific Blue CEO John Bartlett said that international expansion was a logical next step for the airline following its successful launch of domestic services within New Zealand.

“Pacific Blue’s combination of low fares, a low cost base, and high quality service has proved a compelling success story and we’re very happy to be adding to our network again,” he said.

Mr Bartlett said that despite fuel increases and a slowing world economy the airline was confident that people would continue to travel.

“Air travel is a part of people’s lives but what they’ll be looking for is value for money and not having to pay for things they don’t want,” he said. “That’s exactly what we offer.”

Auckland Airport chief executive Don Huse said it was very pleasing to see Pacific Blue expanding its services. “As the first low-cost carrier to operate on this particular route, we anticipate that this new international Pacific Blue service will stimulate greater demand for flying across the Tasman”.

As well as its famous low fares Pacific Blue has brand new state-of-the-art aircraft with comfortable leather seating, a free to join ‘Velocity’ frequent flier program and Web and Self-check-in facilities for domestic flights.

Optional services available on a pay-for-use basis include a range of delicious in-flight drinks and snacks, Blue Zone seating with extra leg room, Fully-flexible fares, carbon off-setting options, and video entertainment units on international flights.

Pacific Blue currently has 270 flights a week on New Zealand domestic routes and internationally between Australia and New Zealand and throughout the South Pacific. Pacific Blue’s low lead-in fare from Auckland-Melbourne is $239**.

*Fare is one-way for flights booked on the internet, $15 more by phone. Seats are limited and fare may not be available on all flights or during peak periods. On sale from 1.00pm Monday 28 July 2008 to midnight Wednesday 30 July 2008 or until sold out for travel from 22 September 2008 to 13 December 2008.

** Fare is one-way for flights booked on the internet, $15 more by phone. Seats are limited and fare may not be available on all flights or during peak periods.

ENDS

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