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Wirraway
1st Mar 2004, 11:08
Port Vila presse

Pacific Blue To Take Off In Vanuatu
Posted Sunday, February 29, 2004

http://www.news.vu/en/moxiepix/b1_1501.jpg
L-R Vanuatu Prime Minister, Hon Edward Natapei, David Huttner, Head of Strategy & Communications and Lorie Jardine Manager International Airports, Virgin Blue

Virgin's low fare international carrier, Pacific Blue has set its sights on one of the regions most beautiful island holiday spots, today announcing plans to begin direct flights between Australia and Vanuatu from September subject to regulatory approvals in both countries.

It follows hot on the heels of the recent announcement that the airline plans to launch services between Australia and Fiji during the same month.

A Pacific Blue delegation met with the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, the Hon Edward Natapei this morning and indicated that the airline will submit the appropriate applications later this month to the respective government authorities. The airline also looks forward to working with the local tourism authorities, hotel owners and tour operators to stimulate the market to its full potential.

Pacific Blue will team up with Virgin Blue in a joint effort to launch affordable air services in and out of stunning Vanuatu.

The carrier intends to offer a twice weekly service to Vanuatu from Australia and while final schedules and pricing will be announced in the coming months, the airline intends to have services at the end of the weekend making them convenient for honeymooners and family holidays alike.

In addition, the airline plans on having flights that arrive at reasonable hours where possible allowing adventure travellers quick connections to the outer islands of Vanuatu and newly weds the chance to enjoy a romantic sunset cocktail together in an island paradise.

Head of Strategy and Communications for Virgin Blue / Pacific Blue, David Huttner said 'Whether visiting Tanna's active volcano, or the home of Bungy Jumping on Pentecost Island or one of the great and most accessible dive sites of the Pacific, the wreck of the President Coolidge in Espiritu Santo, people will want to move beyond the capital to see more of this archipelago nation."

David Huttner continued "Clearly there is great potential to provide more Australians with the opportunity to visit a destination that is beautiful, exotic and yet so close to Australia. Through convenient and affordable connections beyond Melbourne and Brisbane to Canberra we hope to let more people than ever experience this truly special place".

Development of tourism beyond Port Vila and opening new Australian tourism markets were among the key items on the agenda today when the Prime Minister and his officials met with mr huttner and the Pacific Blue team.

Final schedule and fares will be announced in the coming months subject to Pacific Blue securing the appropriate approvals.

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PIC: Latest delivery from Boeing to Christchurch on Saturday
ZK-PBC.

http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=236546

Photo:
Torin Wilson

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