AAP
Tiger boss leads Virgin to Hobart
August 29, 2002
LED by its boss dressed as a Tasmanian tiger, Virgin Blue has flown into Hobart for the first time.
The arrival of its inaugural flight from Melbourne today one day short of its second anniversary in Australia means the discount airline covers every capital city.
Virgin group chairman Richard Branson bounded from the plane at Hobart Airport in a full-length thylacine outfit and with whiskers painted on his face.
"We heard the Tasmanian tiger was extinct," he said.
"As far as we're concerned, high fares in Australia are now extinct, so we thought it was appropriate to come here as an extinct Tasmanian tiger."
Virgin Blue, which already operates out of Launceston, will initially run one return service a day between Melbourne and Hobart.
Mr Branson said he expected demand would soon justify more flights and a direct service between Sydney and Hobart.
He also announced that to mark its second anniversary, Virgin Blue would offer 10,000 fares nationally at $22. However they would only be for the outward leg, with normal fares applying on the return flight.
Premier Jim Bacon, who was on the tarmac to meet the flight, said air capacity into Tasmania was now slightly more than when Ansett collapsed.
With the inaugural sailings of the new Bass Strait ferries on Sunday, the return of air competition to the Tasmanian capital was the "icing on the cake", Mr Bacon said.
AAP
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Just been posted be quick
Wirraway
http://www.virginblue.com.au/
VIRGIN BLUE'S 2ND BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO YOU
10,000 $22* ONE WAY FARES ON SALE TILL SUN SEPTEMBER 1 OR UNTIL SOLD OUT.
TAKE OFF TODAY! DIRECT ROUTES AUSTRALIA WIDE. INTERNET ONLY
Virgin Blue is turning two. Saturday August 31 marks the day that Virgin Blue took to the skies 2 years ago in Australia! To celebrate and thank you for your tremendous support, we're offering you a super low fare deal on every direct route, Australia wide (with the exception of fares on the Coffs/Sydney route where fares are available at $26* one way.)
The super low $22* sale fares are available online only from today, Thursday August 29 until midnight Sunday September 1 or until the 10,000 available seats are sold out. To take advantage of this offer, you'll need to purchase an everyday low fare to complete your trip and you'll need to leave for your trip anytime between today, Thursday August 29 and Sunday September 1. Your return trip will need to be completed by September 30 2002.
These fares are $22 one way inclusive of all taxes and charges and subject to availability.