v australia all systems go

V Australia to fly Brisbane-LA

www.theage.com.au

* July 4, 2008 - 4:20PM
*

Virgin Blue's new international arm, V Australia, has announced that it will fly direct from Brisbane to Los Angeles from next year.

Brisbane to LA will be the second route for V Australia after it begins its daily direct Sydney to LA service from December 15 this year.

To celebrate the announcement, V Australia will offer discount economy return flights of $1234 from 2pm today until sold out.

The carrier said everyday return economy fares will start from $2087.

The Brisbane to LA service will fly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from March 1.

The carrier said it conducted extensive research before deciding to commit the resources to operating a trans-Pacific flight to and from Brisbane.

"Only one other airline currently operates direct services between the two cities, making it ripe for competition,'' it said.

Qantas operates a direct service between Brisbane and LA.

V Australia's general manager Scott Swift said the Brisbane to LA route would bring new opportunities for Queenslanders to travel to the US and will have a positive effect on the state's tourism industry.

"We are keen to help ramp up visitor numbers to the state of Queensland,'' Mr Swift said.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said she welcomed V Australia's vote of confidence in Queensland.

"Virgin Blue has already delivered significant benefits to this state in terms of domestic tourism and resulting business and economic spin-offs.

"No doubt, the new V Australia direct flight will do the same.''

Virgin Blue shares rose 1.5 cents, or 3.1%, to close at 49.5 cents.

AAP