Virgin Australia today announced that it would commence daily Airbus A330 services from Melbourne for the first time, with tickets going on sale today for flights to Perth and Sydney.

From 14 May 2012, the airline will expand its popular Airbus A330 “Coast To Coast” service to include double daily Melbourne to Perth return flights. From 15 May 2012, the Airbus A330 will also operate a daily morning peak-hour return service between Melbourne and Sydney.

Virgin Australia Group Executive of Commercial Liz Savage said: “Melbourne is Virgin Australia’s second largest port and continues to grow as a popular destination for business, events and tourism.

“Our new wide-body Airbus A330 services will add extra capacity in and out of Melbourne at times of peak demand and offer a first-rate travel experience for guests. The aircraft will feature Virgin Australia’s new designer Business and Economy Class product, which includes luxury leather seating, generous seat recline and a range of gourmet food offerings.

“Along with the highest levels of service, we will of course be offering very competitive prices on these new services, with Economy fares starting from as little as $99 from Melbourne to Sydney and $195 from Melbourne to Perth1. We have received excellent feedback from guests on the new Business Class service that we introduced between Melbourne and Perth last October and this Wednesday we will be rolling out Business Class to the majority of flights in and out of Melbourne.

“Now with our new wide-body services, our premium Business and Economy Class offering and our designer lounge at Melbourne Domestic Airport, we are confident that Virgin Australia will be the airline of choice for the Melbourne market”, Ms Savage said.

Daily Airbus A330 flights to Perth will depart at 1pm and 5.30pm local Melbourne time, arriving Perth at 3.15pm and 7.45pm respectively local Perth time. Return flights from Perth depart at 8.30am and 5.30pm local Perth time, arriving in Melbourne at 1.45pm and 10.45pm respectively local Melbourne time.

The daily Airbus A330 service between Melbourne and Sydney will depart at 7.15am local Melbourne time, arriving Sydney at 8.40am. The return service will depart Sydney at 10.00am local Sydney time, arriving Melbourne at 11.35am.