Pacific Blue increases flights to Fiji

October 29, 2008 05:40:52 PM

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Virgin Blue’s international sister carrier, Pacific Blue Airlines, says it will increase services between Brisbane and Fiji from 14 to 16 flights a week.

This is a result of ongoing demand and strong support for the airline’s existing services.

From December 19 this year, the additional flights will arrive in Nadi late on Friday and Sunday evenings, returning early on Saturday and Monday mornings, with offers of lowered fares.

Since launching services to Fiji in September 2004 with three weekly flights from Brisbane, Pacific Blue has seen a substantial increase in tourist demand for flights from Australia to Fiji, also with an increased number returning to Fiji to visit friends and relatives.

Travel website e-Blackboard also revealed that Fijian locals were also taking advantage of Pacific Blue’s affordable high-quality flights to travel to Australia and beyond.

According to the latest Department of Immigration statistics, the Brisbane-Nadi market had grown by 82,198 passengers or 101 per cent since Pacific Blue launched on the route until year ending June 2008.

The department also reported that Australian visitor arrivals into Fiji grew by 38 per cent and the holiday segment to Fiji rose by 44 per cent.

Virgin Blue chief executive Brett Godfrey said: “The strong statistics and ongoing support has given us the confidence to commit further resources to this route and the additional flight between Brisbane and Nadi is a clear indication of our faith in the Fiji market and its long term viability.

“Above all, we remain committed to ensuring that the airline continues to offer great value air fares as well as great service to travellers from both Australia and Fiji,” he said.