Travel Agent Welcomes Virgin To Domestic Market

Travel Agent Welcomes Virgin To The 'Desperate' Domestic Travel Market

The surprise announcement of low cost carrier Virgin to become a player in the domestic market in their annual financial results briefing is welcomed by New Zealand's leading travel agent.

Flight Centre general manager Rick Hamilton said the introduction of the airline to domestic routes would be a terrific boost for New Zealand consumers and to tourism in this country.

"Increased competition can only be a good thing for New Zealand travellers, who have been demanding more flight availability," said Mr Hamilton.

Mr Hamilton says the arrival of Virgin will also make Virgin's Australian and Pacific Island routes more accessible to New Zealanders.

Virgin Airlines is a low cost carrier that has revolutionised Australia's domestic and international air transport networks with a highly competitive, 'no-frills', but fun service.

Flight Centre has a close relationship with Virgin in combining its flight services with accommodation and activity providers to create value for money family holidays and welcomes the opportunity to expand its offering to Kiwis throughout the country.

Mr Hamilton says that leisure travellers won't be the only people to benefit from Virgin's flights.

"FCm [Flight Centre's corporate travel division] is looking forward to offering Virgin's services as the airline has a high standard of on-time performance [the percentage of flights that depart and arrive on time], which will be greatly welcomed by business travellers."

Flight Centre is looking forward to the announcement of the airline's planned routes, understood to come later in the week.

ENDS

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