Pacific Blue launches Brisbane - Port Moresby services
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South Pacific,
Pacific Blue Airlines
Pacific Blue has taken off (03-Nov-08) from Brisbane International Airport at 9.35am on route to Port Moresby, announcing the beginning of regular services between Australia and Papua New Guinea for the airline.
Pacific Blue will operate four direct return flights a week (Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun) between Brisbane and PNG, in future under code-share with Airlines PNG, using a Boeing 737-800 jet aircraft.
Fares from Brisbane start from AUD289* (inclusive of taxes) with connections available from Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and soon New Zealand. Fares from Port Moresby start from PGK599* including taxes.
Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said with Pacific Blue already successfully serving five Pacific Island destinations with its tried and tested business model, commencing services to PNG was a logical decision and a natural fit for the airline.
“There has been a strong economic and cultural relationship between Australia and PNG for years and the launch of our services to and from Papua New Guinea can only strengthen the connection between our two countries.
“We have no doubt the additional schedule choices Pacific Blue offers, as well as everyday low fare options and exceptional Guest service, will appeal to the leisure and VFR markets as well as to business travellers who make up 35% of all travellers ex-Australia.
“As with other Pacific Island nations we service these flights will certainly bring significant benefits to the people and economy of PNG through increased tourism spurred on by real competition and access to affordable airfares.”
Airlines PNG Chief Executive Officer, John Fitzgerald, added, “Since late 2005, Airlines PNG has already brought significant competition to international routes between Papua New Guinea and Australia. We’re pleased that the commencement of Pacific Blue operations will introduce a strong and successful regional competitor onto the Brisbane route.
“We are awaiting approval from PNG’s competition regulator, following which I am sure that we can look forward to a long and productive Codeshare partnership with Pacific Blue - a partnership that will see sustainable competition produce benefits for travellers between the two countries with greater choice in terms of product, schedules and air fares.”
(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 03-Nov-08
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Pacific Blue launches Brisbane - Port Moresby services 
