V Australia Announces Second Trans-Pacific Route Direct Los Angeles - Brisbane Flights: From the 'City Of Angels' to 'Sunny Queensland' for $999* Return

BRISBANE, Australia, July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Australia's newest international airline, V Australia, has announced it will launch non-stop flights between Los Angeles and Brisbane, Queensland Australia, from early next year giving American travelers direct access to Australia's renowned 'Sunshine State'. Queensland is home to some of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders including The Great Barrier Reef and the heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.

Los Angeles-Brisbane is the second route to be announced for V Australia which will take off on its inaugural flight between Los Angeles and Sydney on December 15, 2008*.

V Australia will launch three flights a week between Los Angeles and Brisbane from March 1, 2009*. The carrier will operate Boeing 777-300ER aircraft configured to a three class cabin offering International Business Class, International Premium Economy Class and International Economy class.

V Australia Executive General Manager, Scott Swift, said, "We are excited to be linking the City of LA directly with Brisbane city, the second Australian destination to be added to the V Australia network. This will be tremendous for US travelers keen to experience tropical Queensland. Importantly, this new flight will also provide another direct link from Australia to Los Angeles, equating to approximately 1000 additional seats per week in the market from Brisbane alone, which will increase visitors to North America and help to boost business and tourism opportunities".

V Australia will direct its third 777-300ER aircraft to the Los Angeles- Brisbane route and carried out extensive research before deciding to commit the resources to operating a second trans-Pacific flight directly out of LA to Brisbane. Only one other airline currently operates direct services between the two cities, making it ripe for competition.

Scott Swift continued, "LA-Sydney may be the busiest route between Los Angeles and Australia but V Australia is also eager to give the Los Angeles- Brisbane route a red hot go and we are keen to help ramp up visitor numbers to California and beyond."

Los Angeles Mayor, Antonia R. Villaraigosa, said, "I am delighted that V Australia has identified the Brisbane-LA route as having strong potential in terms of passenger growth and we welcome V Australia's vote of confidence in Los Angeles and the greater state of California."

Mayor Villaraigosa added, "Providing direct access for Australian travelers to LA is going to be critical in luring more visitors to experience the attractions of this great city and then travel onwards to other world famous Californian and USA destinations".

V Australia will initially introduce three direct flights a week between LA and Brisbane on a Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and is confident its attractive fares, convenient direct flight and refreshing product and people will prove a successful formula.

To kick off the new service V Australia today announced "1776 economy seats on sale" to 19 destinations in Australia via Brisbane or Sydney for the return fare of $999* for the round trip inclusive of all taxes (including September 11 security fee) and charges of approximately $320 (available only on the internet). The sale fare is available from 9.00pm PDT today until sold out.

Every day return economy fares will start from $1739* return which is 15 percent lower than the current lowest available published fare on the route for the same travel period (as at 9.00am AEST Friday July 4, 2008).

For V Australia Airlines bookings, log on to www.vaustralia.com, call 1-800-444-0260 or contact your local travel agent.

    V AUSTRALIA LOS ANGELES - BRISBANE LAUNCH SCHEDULE

    LOS ANGELES - BRISBANE - EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2009
    FLIGHT NO.  VA - 8
    Departing 2230 Arriving 0655 (+2 days)  MON    WED    FRI

    BRISBANE - LOS ANGELES - EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2009
    FLIGHT NO.  VA - 7
    Departing 1135 Arriving 0700  WED   FRI   SUN

* Subject to Regulatory approval. Launch fares are on sale from 9.00pm PDT on Thursday July 3, 2008 to July 10, 2008 or until sold out, for travel between March 1 - April 7, 2009 and April 29 - May 31, 2009. Fares are economy round trip fares and include taxes, fees and charges (including the September 11 Security Fee). Fares are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights. Fares are available only for instant purchase online and are non refundable. No stopovers are permitted. Tickets purchased through the Guest Contact Centre cost $15 (USD) more. Flights due to commence March 1, 2009.

    For further information:

    Heather Jeffery
    General Manager
    Public Affairs
    Virgin Blue Group of Airlines
    +61 412 922 122
    heather.jeffery@virginblue.com.au

    Amanda Bolger
    Manager
    Public & Media Relations
    Virgin Blue Group of Airlines
    +61 402 137 071
    amanda.bolger@virginblue.com.au