Latest Mackay Airport News

Virginblue to fly direct to Sydney

Originally published on 20 March 2006

Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey has flown into Mackay with Queensland Premier Peter Beattie to announce the launch of direct Virgin Blue flights between Mackay and Sydney from Wednesday 3 May, 2006.

To kick off the new services, special $99 Fly-High Mackay! promotional fares go on sale today on Virgin Blue's web site. The $99 specials (which include GST and all other taxes) are on sale until midnight April 2, 2006 for travel between May 3 to June 29, 2006. Regular prices will include one-way Mid Week Mini Fares from $119* on the net while everyday low fares will start from $139* one-way on the net.

Virgin Blue will offer four direct Mackay-Sydney services each week, initially on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The new flights will compliment the existing triple daily direct flights from Mackay to Brisbane following the carrier's launch of Mackay services more than four years ago.

The announcement by Brett Godfrey and Premier Peter Beattie is in response to strong lobbying from the Mackay community at a recent face-to-face forum with Virgin Blue team members.

Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey said, We reviewed feedback from the Mackay community and the desire for direct Mackay-Sydney flights came through loud and clear.

Premier Peter Beattie fields questions from the media at Mackay Airport.

He continued, A direct Sydney service was top of the Mackay community's 'wish list', and as we have a brand new aircraft joining the fleet in May, and after comprehensive consideration of a range of route options across Australia, we have committed to boosting services to regional Queensland.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said: This is terrific news for the Mackay/ Whitsunday region, with Sydney-siders now having even more reason to come to Tropical North Queensland and explore its many attractions.

The people of Mackay are going to enjoy benefits too. They'll be able to catch a flight to Sydney to support their footy team, or develop new industry linkages to grow business opportunities in both cities.

Mr Godfrey said the Mackay Port Authority team had been pro-active and instrumental in securing the new direct Virgin Blue Sydney flights from Mackay.

As a Queensland based airline, we support the region's that support us and we urge the Mackay community to get behind the new Virgin Blue flights to ensure a successful ongoing relationship that benefits local business, tourism and the community, Brett Godfrey said.
* All fares are for flights booked on the Internet, $15 more by phone. Fares are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or peak periods.