V Australia Announces ‘Fair Dinkum^’ Fares

LOS ANGELES and BRISBANE, Australia, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of the launch of its trans-Pacific services, new Aussie airline V Australia is giving American travelers a taste of air travel affordability to come when the airline launches its new flights between Los Angeles and Sydney next month.

The Australian carrier has unveiled 2000 seats for a special economy class sale fare of $549* from Los Angeles to three of Australia’s most popular cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The “Fair Dinkum” fares demonstrate V Australia’s ambition to bring competition, high quality service and affordability to the people of the United States.

The sale fare is available from today until Sunday January 18, 2009 or until sold out. Travel is for flights between March 1, 2009 - June 15, 2009.

Virgin Blue Group, Chief Executive and co-founder, Brett Godfrey, said, “With our launch only a few weeks away, the V Australia team is gearing up to introduce a new era of affordability while at the same time providing a three class, high quality, friendly and comfortable flying experience to Australia.

“As a Virgin Blue Group airline, we are committed to offering true value for money and service second to none and are counting down the days until we welcome our first Guests on board.”

He continued, “The sale fare currently on offer is over 58% off the everyday V-deal economy fare and this is the kind of great value we are famous for in Australia. We have every intention of bringing the same benefits and travel opportunities to the US market and have 2000 seats available at these great fares to prove it for those who get in quick.”

V Australia is also offering a special sale fare of $2777** return for Guests to experience the airline’s International Premium Economy class with features including a dedicated crew, an in-flight “V Bar” complete with cabin mood lighting, more room to relax in the large leather seats, all inclusive food and beverage menu and state of the art personal in-flight entertainment. The fare is on sale from today until Saturday January 31 and is for travel between March 1, 2009 - October 24, 2009.

Virgin Group Chairman and Virgin Blue co-founder, Sir Richard Branson, will join Brett Godfrey and the V Australia team to take delivery of the airline’s first brand new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at a formal handover ceremony in Seattle, USA early next month.

The team will then fly to Los Angeles to host an “open aircraft inspection” for US based industry partners, travel agents, corporate Guests and media to have a sneak peek on board the jetliner.

It will then fly to Australia for final preparations for the February 27 launch of the new airline.

V Australia will initially operate three weekly flights between Los Angeles and Sydney, with services to increase to daily flights from March 20, 2009. Direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane start on April 8, 2009 and will offer a convenient service to the Sunshine State, gate-way to the world famous Great Barrier Reef.

^ Fair Dinkum - Australian slang expression for fair and genuine as in real, a genuine bargain.

* All fares are for flights booked on the internet or USD$15 more when booked by phone. Fares are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or peak times. For V Australia bookings log on to www.vaustralia.com or phone our Guest Contact Centre on 1800 444 0260 or contact a travel agent. Flights are subject to regulatory approval. Fares displayed are economy round trip fares and exclude government-imposed taxes, fees and the September 11th Security Fee (collectively between $100-$250 depending on routing). Prices are in US dollars and include applicable fuel surcharges. On sale from midnight (PST) January 15 until midnight (PST) January 18, 2009 (unless sold out earlier) for travel from March 1, 2009 to June 15, 2009. Fares are current as at January 12, 2008, are subject to availability and may vary until ticketed. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are refundable ($500 refund fee applies). No stopovers are permitted. Connecting flights between Sydney and other Australian domestic ports are operated by Virgin Blue Airlines. Any Australian domestic travel can be booked through Virgin Blue Airlines. No minimum stay is required.

** Fares are Premium Economy round trip fares, and exclude government-imposed taxes, fees and the 9/11 Security Fee (collectively between $USD100 to $USD250 depending on itinerary). Prices are in US dollars and include applicable fuel surcharges. On sale from midnight (PST) January 15 until midnight (PST) January 31, 2009 (unless sold out earlier) for travel from March 1, 2009 to October 24, 2009. Fares are current as at January 12, 2008, are subject to availability and may vary until ticketed. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Available only for instant purchase online and are refundable ($500 refund fee applies). One stopover is permitted. Connecting flights between Sydney and other Australian domestic ports are operated by Virgin Blue Airlines. Any Australian domestic travel can be booked through Virgin Blue Airlines. Tickets purchased through the Guest Contact Centre cost $15(USD) more. No minimum stay is required

Issued by:

Amanda Bolger

Manager

Public & Media Relations

Virgin Blue Group

Ph: + 61 402 137 071

amanda.bolger@virginblue.com.au