Not only have we begun the year with the inaugural commercial flight between Brisbane and Emerald, but we have announced that from today, tickets are on-sale for a double daily return service between Melbourne and Perth, operated by our Airbus A330.
From May 14th 2012, the Airbus A330 will operate two daily return services including a daily peak-return morning service from Melbourne to Sydney.
Airbus A330 VH-XFB takes off
Daily Airbus A330 flights to Perth will depart at 1pm and 5.30pm local Melbourne time, arriving Perth at 3.15pm and 7.45pm respectively local Perth time.
Return flights from Perth depart at 8.30am and 5.30pm local Perth time, arriving in Melbourne at 1.45pm and 10.45pm respectively local Melbourne time.
The daily Airbus A330 service between Melbourne and Sydney will depart at 7.15am local Melbourne time, arriving Sydney at 8.40am. The return service will depart Sydney at 10.00am local Sydney time, arriving Melbourne at 11.35am.
By already having our designer Lounge at Melbourne Domestic Airport, and thanks to the wide-body Airbus, we will now be able to offer our full premium Business and Economy class service, for our guests that fly out of Melbourne as well as Sydney and Perth.
To book your next flight from Melbourne visit our website.
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Late in 2011 we announced that we would begin a new route between Brisbane and the Queensland Central Highlands city of Emerald.
Virgin Australia's Inaugural Emerald flight has landed
This morning the inaugural flight, where the ATR72, registration VH-FVH and operating as DJ1255, left a very wet Brisbane Airport.
Ninety minutes and 900 kilometres later, the French built aircraft, named “Four Mile Beach” after the beautiful Port Douglas beach, touched down completing her first commercial flight to the Queensland town of Emerald.
It was great to see such a good turn out to the aircraft’s arrival, as well as the community day that the Emerald Airport and Central Highlands Regional Council hosted on January 7th, where the wider Emerald community was able to get up close to the new aircraft and ask our staff and crew a variety of questions.
An area known for its rich, resource-heavy economy, the flight north certainly shows the diversity of the Queensland landscape, from the urban sprawl of Brisbane to the gorgeous Sunshine Coast beaches. Then veering inland and travelling over the browns and green shades of regional Queensland. It’s actually quite a sight to see the various types of emerald green that cover the central highlands area; clearly a benefit of the amount of rain that has fallen on the area over the past 12 months.
Morning flights Monday through Friday from Brisbane will depart at 5.45am, arriving in Emerald at 7.40am; with a return flight departing Emerald at 8.10am, arriving in Brisbane at 9.55am. Afternoon flights will depart Brisbane at 4.00pm, arriving in Emerald at 5.55pm; with a return flight departing Emerald at 6.25pm, arriving in Brisbane at 8.10pm. Sunday afternoon services will also operate to this schedule.
In addition to this newest route, we operate the ATR on:
* Double daily week-day return services between Brisbane and Gladstone
* Daily return services between Brisbane and Port Macquarie
* Double daily services between Sydney and Port Macquarie
* Up to six daily return services between Sydney to Canberra
View from the ATR72 over the Central Highlands of Queensland
The patchwork field design of Central Queensland
Emerald Airport Virgin Australia Check in
Have you flown or are you planning to fly on our ATR72? We would love to hear your feedback as to your experiences as well as any tips for those not familiar to some of our newest destinations!
Our new Virgin Australia Lounge experience is a stylish yet practical space in which to work, socialise or unwind in comfort prior to your Virgin Australia flight departure from selected domestic airports.
Offering a great selection of complimentary benefits including a new Luke Mangan designed buffet menu and premium wines, business services, news, and entertainment, the Virgin Australia Lounge is your airport haven.
We’ve just been released a new TV commercial to promote the Lounge (see below).
The new Brisbane Domestic Lounge opened last week (27th July), joining the flagship Melbourne Lounge as both being recently renovated by renowned architect Tim Greer of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. – see the photos here
To find out more, including entry rates or how to join visit the website here
Have you already experienced either of these two fantastic spaces prior to your flight? Favourite part? Any tips for your fellow travellers when using them?
Today we have announced the first routes for our new ATR aircraft, under the regional alliance with Skywest (subject to regulatory approval).
From October 2011 we will commence new services from Brisbane to Gladstone (double daily service) and Brisbane to Port Macquarie (daily return service) plus add extra services between Canberra and Sydney, bringing the total number of flights between the two cities to 60 each week.
If you’re traveling to Brisbane town this weekend you will need to watch out as over 1,000 zombies are expected to turn up to their regular meet and greet. The undead make an annual trek from Wickham Park through to Fortitude Valley in the lead up to the Valley Fiesta’s Sunday line-up.
The Valley Fiesta is Brisbane’s Outdoor Street Party with international, national and local acts to feed your heart and soul.
The Valley Fiesta presents over 60 artists across three stages and with this year’s theme based on the Mexican Day of the Dead Festival, the Valley will come to life with an inspiring program for people of all ages to enjoy.
V Australia recommends taking some time out of your weekend to catch Brisbane’s wittiest comedians and actors go head to head in Impro Gladitators, be charmed by Brisbane’s hottest Close-up Magician, JAY JAY, and catch some of the best in Australian music from Bertie Blackman, C.W. Stoneking and The Panda Band.
For out of towners traveling through if you’d like to reconnect with your zombie mates you can find out more.
Or if you’d prefer to just jump in to the fun of the Valley Fiesta, check out the line up here.
The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival (MBFF) is the premier fashion event in Queensland, launching Spring/Summer collections to the country. Featuring an exciting array of top local, national and international design talent, events and parades, all of which are open to the public. This year’s campaign will be hosted from the iconic Brisbane City Hall. Click here for tickets.
Boasting more sunny days than Florida and warmer winter days than the Bahamas, this is no ordinary city. Brisbane is full of surprises, which is why you need a local tour guide for all the dirt and scoop…ME! Read more »
