Virgin Blue to shake up New Zealand’s market with new flights

Virgin Blue, one of Australia’s most popular low-cost airlines, recently announced that it would expand into New Zealand’s market, offering domestic fares under the name Pacific Blue.

Pacific Blue flights will operate between Auckland and Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch and Wellington and Christchurch starting on November 15th this year.

The airline is already advertising fares on these routes starting at NZ$39 (around US$34).

Chief of Virgin Blue, Brett Godfrey released a statement claiming that the time was right for the airline to expand into New Zealand.

“We are confident the circumstances are now right and there is room for competition and an obvious need for market stimulation,” he said.  “Pacific Blue is well positioned to give the existing players a good run for their money, particularly on the monopolistic Wellington-Christchurch route.”

In order to take advantage of the introductory flight fare, tickets for travel anytime between November 15th and February 29th 2008 must be booked before September 16th or until they are sold out.

Budget airline Jetstar recently announced new flights from Australia to Christchurch but domestic flights within New Zealand remain expensive.

Sir Richard Branson, the chairman of the Virgin Group is hoping that Pacific Blue can shake things up a little for the aviation industry in New Zealand.

“We look forward to Pacific Blue spreading its wings and bringing long term domestic bliss, perhaps not for the competition, but certainly for locals and visitors travelling within New Zealand,” he said.

Compared to the prices advertised by Pacific Blue, the cheapest flights offered by Air New Zealand and Qantas can hardly compare. For flights between Auckland and Wellington operating on November 15th, the lowest fare published by either airline is NZ$89 (USD$78).

www.virginblue.com.au