Virgin Australia Welcomes Deregulation between Cairns and Weipa Announcing New Daily Service

Virgin Australia today welcomed the Newman Government’s decision to deregulate air services between Cairns and Weipa, opening up one of Queensland’s most popular regional routes to new operators.

To coincide with this announcement, Virgin Australia confirmed it will bring competition when the route is deregulated in 2014, with a new direct service.

Virgin Australia will launch a daily service between Cairns and Weipa on its ATR Turboprop aircraft bringing choice to consumers in the region and competitive air fares.

Virgin Australia Chief Commercial Officer, Judith Crompton said: “Virgin Australia has a strong track record of bringing much-needed competition and lower fares to monopoly markets in Australia. In Queensland the mining boom is continuing to drive increased demand and open up routes that can sustain competitive air services.

“Weipa is an important mining centre in regional Queensland which has seen significant growth in demand for air travel in recent years. This has created the opportunity for deregulation to bring competition and lower fares to this market reducing costs for business and boosting tourism

“We welcome the deregulation of the Cairns and Weipa connection and believe it is a positive step forward for customers, the industry and tourism.

“We are pleased to confirm that once the route is deregulated, we will offer a daily service between Cairns and Weipa on our growing ATR Turboprop fleet, providing customers with increased travel options,” said Ms Crompton.

Virgin Australia will deliver a competitive offering with fares starting from $129* one way between Cairns and Weipa from 2014, which represents an approximate 20% discount on fares currently available to customers.

*Fares quoted refer to Saver Fares and include one piece of checked baggage and complimentary food and beverage. Fares are correct as at 25 June 2013 and are subject to change.