[Kurt A]

RE-TIMED FLIGHTS BETWEEN ALBURY – SYDNEY

Virgin Blue has today announced it will re-time its morning service between Albury and Sydney following close consultation with the Albury-Wodonga business community.

From Sunday 4 May, the first flight of the day from Monday through to Saturday will depart Albury at 8.00am arriving into Sydney at 8.55am. On Sundays the afternoon flight will remain as per the current schedule.

The decision to re-adjust the schedule is the result of weeks of canvassing Virgin Blue Guests as to their needs and preferences for flight times. The feedback regarding Virgin Blue services has been overwhelmingly positive in terms of service standards, affordability and aircraft comfort. Corporate travellers did indicate a desire for an earlier departure out of Albury to allow for a full working day in Sydney.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “Since launching services to Albury just under three months ago, our team has been engaging closely with the local community and the feedback has been that an earlier flight to Sydney would better suit the needs of corporate Guests, without inconveniencing the leisure travellers.”

“We’ve taken all comments on board and recognise the need as an air services provider to be responsive and flexible. As a consequence, we are very pleased to be able to deliver on this request by adjusting the flight times to offer a more convenient schedule for the people of Albury-Wodonga.”

Virgin Blue launched services to Albury in February this year and has been heartened by the strong support it has received for its double daily services to Sydney.

-dj