Wirraway
7th Nov 2003, 07:17
virginblue.com.au
PACIFIC BLUE ANNOUNCES DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM CHRISTCHURCH TO MELBOURNE
Virgin Group Chairman, Richard Branson touched down in New Zealand for the first time today to deliver more exciting news in the lead-up to the upcoming launch of New Zealand based international airline, Pacific Blue. Richard Branson flew into the South Island to announce that Pacific Blue will also begin direct services from Christchurch to Melbourne from March 4, just weeks after the inaugural flight from Christchurch to Brisbane.
Richard Branson said, "We are delighted to be bringing a true low fare airline to the people of New Zealand and can't wait to start flying. Pacific Blue doesn't believe in use-it-or-lose-it and we don't think people should have to choose between affordability and flexibility so even our cheapest ticket can be changed up to a day before departure."
"To prove we are serious about low fares, we have a special launch sale fare of NZ$99* one-way between Christchurch and Melbourne with thousands of seats available at that price and we look forward to ensuring flying across the Tasman is competitive, flexible and fun for a long time to come."
Demand for direct flights to and from Christchurch to Melbourne prompted Pacific Blue to add the route to its pre-launch network sooner than anticipated.
The NZ$99* sale fare is available today until November 16 and is for travel from March 4 until March 27 2004.
The new route will be the second Pacific Blue Trans-Tasman service, with more expected to be launched in the near future.
Richard Branson continued, "We have every intention of putting on more flights to more destinations and growing the market as we have done with Virgin Blue in Australia. While it is early days, Pacific Blue bookings are looking good and I hope more and more people come on board to support our mission to offer a fun and friendly flying alterative."
Richard will today catch up with the new Pacific Blue recruits to have a first hand chat about Virgin's core values which include value for money, sense of fun, innovation, quality and challenging existing alternatives. Pacific Blue has already indicated that the New Zealand program is expected to generate over 200 jobs in the start-up phase alone. The low fare airline is currently sorting through the thousands of applications for various positions as well as progressing the approval processes with government authorities.
After the launch special is finished, Pacific Blue will be offering fares from NZ$159* (Mid-Week Mini-Fare) with Fully Flexible walk-up fares of NZ$449*. Fully Flexible fares in both directions are nearly 50% off what competitors are offering for the same type of fare.
Richard also announced today that Pacific Blue will bring forward its launch date of services from Christchurch to Brisbane to Thursday 29 January 2004 from the previously announced February 1 2004. Pacific Blue is making available NZ$99* one way fares on the additional services operating from January 29 to January 31 2004. All inclusive fares from Australia will start from AU$149* one way on the additional January services. Richard confirmed that at least 99 seats on each of these additional services will be available at these promotional fares.
Pacific Blue will launch its maiden services with a fleet of bright red, brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, emblazoned with flypacificblue.com on their side. The aircraft are fresh from the Boeing factory in Seattle and will carry the most modern technology in the South Pacific as well as 180 leather seats pitched to 32" or more.
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TONY MARKS APPOINTED CEO OF PACIFIC BLUE AIRLINES
Virgin Group Chairman, Richard Branson today announced Tony Marks as the man to head up the new International low fare airline Pacific Blue.
Richard congratulated Tony in person on his new appointment during a flying visit to Christchurch today.
Tony Marks brings with him 10 years of experience in the aviation industry, including his most recent role as CEO of Origin Pacific Airways. Prior to that, Tony spent 9 years with Air New Zealand in key roles including General Manager Sales & Marketing and General Manager Commercial.
David Huttner, Head of Communications and Strategy at Virgin Blue was on hand in Christchurch for today’s announcement and said, “Tony is well known in the industry and has excellent credentials as well as an outstanding reputation. Not only is he an innovative thinker, he is also an affable character who will fit in with the Virgin culture.”
Tony Marks will take up his Christchurch based role later this month.
“It’s a dynamic time in the aviation industry, especially in the New Zealand market and I am very much looking forward to exciting times ahead as we all work towards Pacific Blue becoming the airline of choice for New Zealand travellers”, said Tony Marks.
Other key Pacific Blue appointments so far include:
Tony Parrish - Flight Operations Manager
Bob Mahon - Flight Standards Manager
Peter Morgan - Engineering Manager
Alan Ferguson - Quality Assurance Manager
John Hughes - Manager, Finance and Administration.
=============================================
PACIFIC BLUE ANNOUNCES DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM CHRISTCHURCH TO MELBOURNE
Virgin Group Chairman, Richard Branson touched down in New Zealand for the first time today to deliver more exciting news in the lead-up to the upcoming launch of New Zealand based international airline, Pacific Blue. Richard Branson flew into the South Island to announce that Pacific Blue will also begin direct services from Christchurch to Melbourne from March 4, just weeks after the inaugural flight from Christchurch to Brisbane.
Richard Branson said, "We are delighted to be bringing a true low fare airline to the people of New Zealand and can't wait to start flying. Pacific Blue doesn't believe in use-it-or-lose-it and we don't think people should have to choose between affordability and flexibility so even our cheapest ticket can be changed up to a day before departure."
"To prove we are serious about low fares, we have a special launch sale fare of NZ$99* one-way between Christchurch and Melbourne with thousands of seats available at that price and we look forward to ensuring flying across the Tasman is competitive, flexible and fun for a long time to come."
Demand for direct flights to and from Christchurch to Melbourne prompted Pacific Blue to add the route to its pre-launch network sooner than anticipated.
The NZ$99* sale fare is available today until November 16 and is for travel from March 4 until March 27 2004.
The new route will be the second Pacific Blue Trans-Tasman service, with more expected to be launched in the near future.
Richard Branson continued, "We have every intention of putting on more flights to more destinations and growing the market as we have done with Virgin Blue in Australia. While it is early days, Pacific Blue bookings are looking good and I hope more and more people come on board to support our mission to offer a fun and friendly flying alterative."
Richard will today catch up with the new Pacific Blue recruits to have a first hand chat about Virgin's core values which include value for money, sense of fun, innovation, quality and challenging existing alternatives. Pacific Blue has already indicated that the New Zealand program is expected to generate over 200 jobs in the start-up phase alone. The low fare airline is currently sorting through the thousands of applications for various positions as well as progressing the approval processes with government authorities.
After the launch special is finished, Pacific Blue will be offering fares from NZ$159* (Mid-Week Mini-Fare) with Fully Flexible walk-up fares of NZ$449*. Fully Flexible fares in both directions are nearly 50% off what competitors are offering for the same type of fare.
Richard also announced today that Pacific Blue will bring forward its launch date of services from Christchurch to Brisbane to Thursday 29 January 2004 from the previously announced February 1 2004. Pacific Blue is making available NZ$99* one way fares on the additional services operating from January 29 to January 31 2004. All inclusive fares from Australia will start from AU$149* one way on the additional January services. Richard confirmed that at least 99 seats on each of these additional services will be available at these promotional fares.
Pacific Blue will launch its maiden services with a fleet of bright red, brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, emblazoned with flypacificblue.com on their side. The aircraft are fresh from the Boeing factory in Seattle and will carry the most modern technology in the South Pacific as well as 180 leather seats pitched to 32" or more.
===========================================
TONY MARKS APPOINTED CEO OF PACIFIC BLUE AIRLINES
Virgin Group Chairman, Richard Branson today announced Tony Marks as the man to head up the new International low fare airline Pacific Blue.
Richard congratulated Tony in person on his new appointment during a flying visit to Christchurch today.
Tony Marks brings with him 10 years of experience in the aviation industry, including his most recent role as CEO of Origin Pacific Airways. Prior to that, Tony spent 9 years with Air New Zealand in key roles including General Manager Sales & Marketing and General Manager Commercial.
David Huttner, Head of Communications and Strategy at Virgin Blue was on hand in Christchurch for today’s announcement and said, “Tony is well known in the industry and has excellent credentials as well as an outstanding reputation. Not only is he an innovative thinker, he is also an affable character who will fit in with the Virgin culture.”
Tony Marks will take up his Christchurch based role later this month.
“It’s a dynamic time in the aviation industry, especially in the New Zealand market and I am very much looking forward to exciting times ahead as we all work towards Pacific Blue becoming the airline of choice for New Zealand travellers”, said Tony Marks.
Other key Pacific Blue appointments so far include:
Tony Parrish - Flight Operations Manager
Bob Mahon - Flight Standards Manager
Peter Morgan - Engineering Manager
Alan Ferguson - Quality Assurance Manager
John Hughes - Manager, Finance and Administration.
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