Pacific Blue Spreads Its Wings To Wellington

MEDIA RELEASE

Pacific Blue Spreads Its Wings To Wellington

New Direct Flights To Sydney From March 10

Pacific Blue Airlines has announced it will increase its daily services across the Tasman by introducing a new direct service from Wellington to Sydney.

Chief Executive Tony Marks touched down in the Capital this morning, on the centenary of powered flight, to deliver the exciting news that Pacific Blue aircraft will soon be touching down in the city on a daily basis.

Pacific Blue will operate direct daily flights between Wellington and Sydney from 10 March next year following tremendous lobbying by business and tourism operators as well as the helpful co-operation of Wellington International Airport.

A special "wow" launch fare is now available with $99* seats up for grabs and on sale from now until 25 December 2003, for travel between 10 March to 30 November 2004.

Once the sale fare is over, low fares will continue with Mid-Week Mini-Fares on sale for $149* one-way on the net. Pacific Blue's Fully Flexible fare will be $399* one-way, 42% cheaper than the competition.

The commitment to fly to Wellington honours a promise made by Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey back in 2001 during a flying visit to Wellington with a Virgin Blue aircraft en route to Australia.

Pacific Blue CEO Tony Marks said, "Wellington has been on Pacific Blue's radar screen for some time and we are excited to be confirming it as our second NZ gateway."

He continued, "While there may be plenty of Trans-Tasman competition to Auckland, Wellington until now has been largely overlooked and trapped in an airline duopoly and we are confident the combination of low fares and friendly service will appeal to both business and leisure travellers."

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said, "This is fantastic for Wellington. It confirms that the Capital is becoming increasingly popular as a tourism destination out of Australia. More Trans-Tasman competition means more Australians will choose to visit Wellington and that's terrific news for our local tourism industry."

Mayor Prendergast added, "I would like to congratulate Wellington International Airport, Wellington's tourism industry and Pacific Blue for working together to achieve this result."

Meanwhile, Pacific Blue has also announced a daily Christchurch to Sydney service from 10 March with a $99* fare available for both the Christchurch and Wellington flights to Sydney. The Christchurch-Sydney sale fare is also available now and is for travel between 10 March and 30 November 2004.

*As per industry practice all fares in New Zealand are shown in NZ$ and exclude taxes and charges

Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or peak days. Fares are quoted ex-New Zealand, one way on the net ($10 more by phone). Fares are exclusive of government departure tax, airport passenger service charge of $20.20 and security levy of $6.85. Prices & charges are in NZD. International flights commencing January 2004 subject to receipt of Government approvals. Mid-Week-Mini-Fares are available for travel on Tuesdays & Wednesdays and are subject to availability.

SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE 10 March 2003

WELLINGTON - SYDNEY

FLIGHT N0 DEP ARR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

DJ 45 2.30

pm 4.05

pm -> -> -> -> -> -> ->

SYDNEY-WELLINGTON

FLIGHT N0

DEP ARR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

DJ 42 8.25

am 1.30

pm -> -> -> -> -> -> ƒÁ

- Due to day light savings the timings may vary at certain periods of the year. Timings also may vary on weekends.

This schedule is designed to allow convenient timings for travellers to and from the entire Nelson, Marlborough and Wairarapa regions.

© Scoop Media