Virgin Blue opens two new WA ports

[Lukas M]

Virgin Blue is set to fly to two new Pilbara destinations in a move it says shows its commitment to the mining industry.
The airline will fly from Perth to Karratha and Newman daily from October 21, as well as increasing the number of flights to and from Broome from 10 to 24.
Chief executive Brett Godfrey said the expansion showed the company's confidence in the WA market.
"Karratha and Newman are both key mining destinations where we believe we can bring some great advantages in terms of schedule reliability and competitive fares," he said.
"We will be working closely with the mining sector and those companies that provide support services to the mining industry in these regions and are eager to demonstrate our commitment to providing a viable travel option tailored to their needs."
Broome's popularity and "unique cultural and environmental attractions" made it a long-term viable option for growth, Mr Godfrey said. Virgin Blue also operates a weekly service to the town from Adelaide.
The new services would be operated using Embraer E-190 aircraft, which have a 104-seat capacity. The planes would be based in Perth
WA TODAY

Launch Fare of $189

[Rhys Xanthis]

QF have 3 flights most days to Newman, so that could get interesting! Karratha...not sure if that is the smartest choice for VB to start a-new...lots of mining contracts probably signed exclusively to QF and there is already 5+ flights most days to Karratha on QF alone.

[Daniel M]

Originally Posted by Rhys Xanthis

QF have 3 flights most days to Newman, so that could get interesting! Karratha...not sure if that is the smartest choice for VB to start a-new...lots of mining contracts probably signed exclusively to QF and there is already 5+ flights most days to Karratha on QF alone.

I'm sure VB has done a bit of homework in regards to both routes before launch, and wouldn't go in blind, Rhys

[Daniel M]

Times etc as follows:

Perth - Karratha
DJ 1721 Monday - Saturday 0545 PER KTA 0745
DJ 1727 Monday - Friday and Sunday 1500 PER KTA 1700

Karratha - Perth

DJ 1722 0815 KTA PER 1010 Monday - Saturday Only
DJ 1728 1735 KTA PER 1930 Monday - Friday and Sunday Only

Perth - Newman

DJ 1873 0530 PER ZNE 0710 Monday - Friday Only
DJ 1877 1210 PER ZNE 1350 Saturday Only
DJ 1877 1100 PER ZNE 1240 Sunday Only

Newman - Perth

DJ 1874 0740 ZNE PER 0920 - Monday - Friday Only
DJ 1878 1420 ZNE PER 1600 - Saturday Only
DJ 1878 1310 ZNE PER 1450 - Sunday Only

Perth - Broome

DJ 0485 0700 PER BME 0930 - Saturday Only
DJ 0487 0900 PER BME 1130 - Monday - Friday and Sunday Only
DJ 0489 1545 PER-BME 1815 - Monday - Sunday

Broome - Perth

DJ 0486 1000 BME PER 1230 - Saturday Only
DJ 0486 1200 BME PER 1430 - Monday - Friday and Sunday Only
DJ 0488 1845 BME PER 2115 - Monday - Sunday

[Rhys Xanthis]

Sure enough i just got an email from QF

Broome/Newman $199
Karratha $219

And i was wondering how long it would take them to put an E-190 out here for regional services!

[Marty H]

Originally Posted by Rhys Xanthis

Sure enough i just got an email from QF

Broome/Newman $199
Karratha $219

And i was wondering how long it would take them to put an E-190 out here for regional services!

So first you say it was risky, now you say you were already wondering when DJ would put an E190 on those routes

[Brenden S]

What I wonder is what routing will they take to rotate the aircraft around ie east west. PER-ADL special sector every week or something?

[Bruce Bramwell]

Thinking that a EMB-190 will call perth home.

[Rhys Xanthis]

Originally Posted by Marty H

So first you say it was risky, now you say you were already wondering when DJ would put an E190 on those routes

should have clarified, i didnt see that in the original post...i was thinking that they were running it on 737 equipment

[Brenden S]

The E-190 will call Perth home, however you still need maintenance done, and its a bit hard without a hangar, so unless DJ over here have negotiated a lease of a hangar or use of a hangar, I dare say that the aircraft will be roated through regulary.