Pacific Blue launches service from Melbourne to Auckland
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South Pacific,
Pacific Blue Airlines,
route development
Virgin Blue’s international subsidiary Pacific Blue launched its first non-stop service from Melbourne to Auckland.
Pacific Blue announced the new service in July, becoming the first low-cost carrier to fly the route. Commenting on the launch Virgin Blue’s Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said the airline’s entry to a new market would introduce additional competition and a new airline choice for travellers.
“Year round the Melbourne-Auckland route is a busy corridor in both directions certainly for business travellers as well as leisure travellers visiting Auckland or entering New Zealand through the Auckland gateway.
"Both cities have an exceptional calendar of major sporting, entertainment and cultural events so we're looking forward to stimulating competition which will encourage more people to fly frequently in both directions," he said.
The launch flight took off from Melbourne at 9.30am (AEST) and touched down at Auckland International Airport to a water-arch welcome at 2.45pm (NZST).
Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said, “We welcome this new Melbourne to Auckland service from Pacific Blue. Passengers travelling to and from New Zealand are our largest market and this new route will help it remain so.”
(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 23-Sep-08
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Pacific Blue launches service from Melbourne to Auckland 
