Virgin Blue will make its foray in to regional New South Wales with a non-stop daily 737 jet service between Sydney and Coffs Harbour from August 1, with a sensational special launch fare offer of $48* for 48 hours (subject to $25.46 taxes & charges totalling $73.46).

The North Coast city is the first regional destination Virgin Blue will fly to in New South Wales and Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey said the Coffs Harbour route is a clear example of Virgin Blue’s unwavering belief in stimulating the market with low fares.

The Next Generation 737-700 aircraft that will fly to Coffs is the most technologically advanced aircraft flying in Australia today and is three times larger, much faster and more comfortable than the turbo props that currently operate the route. We are also targeting those people who would normally travel by road or rail because the air fares have quite simply been extortionate.

He added, We’ve been working closely with the people of Coffs Harbour for over 12 months and are confident the time is right to offer a more comfortable and affordable jet alternative to the North Coast.

Virgin Blue has proven with its existing regional services that smaller destinations have the capacity to support a jet service.

Brett Godfrey said, We have already shown in places like Launceston and Mackay that if you take regional centres seriously and give them a serious aircraft, you will get serious support.

For North Coast locals it means affordable access to the state capital and for Sydney-siders, it’s about fantastic fares to one of New South Wales’s premier tourist regions and the opportunity to head north for business or pleasure. Efficient through services will also be offered between Coffs Harbour and Melbourne.

The special $48* one-way launch fare will be on offer for 48 hours until midnight Thursday (or until sold out) and is for the first 48 seats on all flights for travel between 1 August and 31 August. Virgin Blue’s everyday low fares will begin from $64* one-way plus taxes and charges, which means $89.46 one-way, as opposed to Qantas’s $151.96 one-way fare including $25.46 for taxes and charges. Virgin Blue’s Fully Flexible fare will be $199.46 including taxes and charges, compared to Qantas’s $307.06 one-way including $25.46 for taxes and charges.

The new service is expected to be a huge boost for local tourism and business with the arrival of Virgin Blue traditionally inspiring the other carrier’s to also offer more reasonable fares, making it an affordable option to jump on a flight for a weekend getaway or to visit a client in person.

Brett Godfrey continued, Our everyday fares are today about 73% cheaper than Qantas but rest assured, tomorrow they will suddenly see fit to offer more reasonable fares, so not only does Virgin Blue offer great deals on our own airline, we also inspire other airlines to offer fair deals.

Virgin Blue will operate one of its brand new Next Generation 737 aircraft on the Coffs Harbour route meaning an extra 1000 seats a week in each direction. The airline will consider increasing services according to demand.

The low fare carrier has been working with Tourism New South Wales and Coffs Harbour City Council to ensure the people of the North Coast have access to long-term low fares.

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