NEW AIRLINE SERVICE TO CHRISTMAS AND COCOS KEELING ISLANDS
23 December 2009
The Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, has announced a new service provider to conduct regular flights between Perth and Christmas and Cocos Keeling Islands.
Virgin Blue will commence services from Thursday 1 April 2010 with twice weekly flights to Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island and an additional third weekly flight to Christmas Island only which will be reassessed after six months, subject to demand.
Virgin will be flying a modern Embraer E190 aircraft which will provide increased passenger and freight capacity. The contract will result in better passenger fares and direct and faster flights which will reduce the overall flying time to and from the mainland.
“I am pleased that Australia’s second largest airline will provide air services to these remote communities, and excited by the potential tourism benefits that this contract could bring to the Island’s economy,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The Australian Government will continue to underwrite these services to ensure that it meets its community service obligations by maintaining a link between the mainland and the Islands.”
Mr O’Connor thanked the existing provider Cobham Aviation for its service to the Islands over the past decade.
This was predicted some months ago on Pprune. (can't find the post atm)
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