Virgin Australia is boosting its network from the Gold Coast with a new seasonal nonstop service to Perth alongside additional flights to existing domestic and international destinations.
The airline plans to fly twice a week between the Gold Coast and Perth with Boeing 737-800s over the summer holiday period, with the service to operate on Thursdays and Saturdays during a six-week period between December 13 2018 and January 26 2019.
The flights have been scheduled as a evening departure from Gold Coast and morning departure from Perth.
Virgin Australia general manager for network, revenue and alliances Russell Shaw said the new offering would give travellers more opportunities to explore Australia over the holiday period.
“This new service will help to drive tourism in Perth and the Gold Coast and we look forward to providing ease of travel between two very popular locations during the summer holidays,” Shaw said in a statement on Tuesday.
Currently, Jetstar is the only airline flying nonstop between the Gold Coast and Perth.
It is Virgin Australia’s second new route from Perth in recent times, with the airline recently commencing nonstop flights between the West Australian capital and Hobart. Those flights began on Monday.
Perth Airport chief corporate services officer Debra Blaskett said these new flights highlighted Virgin Australia’s commitment to Western Australia.
“It’s been great to work with Virgin Australia to provide what we think is the best domestic terminal and best passenger experience in Australia and to give them the confidence to develop new and expanded routes,” Blaskett said.
Virgin Australia plans extra flights out of Gold Coast on existing routes
Virgin Australia said it would offer 27,000 more seats out of the Gold Coast during the Christmas travel period, with more flights to Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney, as well as across the Tasman to Auckland.
Gold Coast Airport chief operating officer Marion Charlton said the additional capacity would support the local tourism industry.
“It is great to see more capacity added between the Gold Coast and Perth in time for our busiest travel period,” Charlton said.
“We look forward to welcoming more Western Australians to the Gold Coast and giving locals more choice when planning their holidays in Western Australia.”
Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737-800s have eight recliner business class seats and 168 economy class seats for a total of 176.
Flight schedule for new Gold Coast-Perth route September 17 2018-October 27 2018
Flight Number/Routing |
Days of operation |
Time of departure |
Time of arrival |
|
VA1776 OOL-PER |
Saturday |
17:15 |
20:45 |
|
VA1771 PER-OOL |
Saturday |
09:45 |
16:35 |
|
VA1776 OOL-PER |
Thursday Dec 20 only |
19:15 |
22:45 |
|
VA1771 PER-OOL |
Thursday Dec 20 only |
23:30 |
06:20+1 |
