By James Wilkinson

In a major boost to regional tourism, Virgin Blue has announced it will launch five new routes across its network from Canberra and Townsville.

Virgin Blue has announced five new regional routes

From Apr 6, Virgin Blue will launch daily return flights between Canberra-Hobart, Canberra-Townsville, Townsville-Gold Coast, Townsville-Rockhampton as well as Townsville-Cairns.
 
The news of the regional flights came just two days after the group’s successful launch of V Australia on Feb 9.

“Like all businesses, in these challenging times we need to keep our finger on the pulse and position our resources where they are most needed,” said Virgin Blue CEO, Brett Godfrey.

“The redeployment of some of our Embraer fleet to previously un-serviced routes is great news for these ports, in particular Townsville which has jagged four out of the five new services, because it means more convenient, regular and affordable direct air services which will provide plenty of choice for travellers.”

Godfrey said the new flights are a result of the company’s strategic review in 2008, which highlighted an opportunity for the airline to redeploy aircraft from under–performing markets onto other routes.

The new Townsville routes also marks the first time the airline will offer flights between regional centres since launching in 2000.

Fittingly, Townsville was also the very first regional centre the airline services when it launch in 2001 and will be the first port to be directly connected by Virgin Blue to not one, but three, regional centres.