Swap Penguins For Palm Trees!

Swap Penguins For Palm Trees!

Pacific Blue’s Inaugural Dunedin – Brisbane Flight
Takes Off Today

Thursday 3 September 2009. Dunedin Airport will be awash with red, black and white today when locals dressed as penguins waddle along to greet the arrival of Pacific Blue’s first direct service from Brisbane, heralding the start of new trans-Tasman flights between the two cities.

Pacific Blue has been operating domestic flights to and from Dunedin for over a year and from today adds three international services a week between Dunedin and Brisbane to its southern schedule.

The inaugural flight from Brisbane will touch down at Dunedin Airport at 3.25pm to a water arch welcome and a reception from local council, business, and travel and tourism guests, before returning to Brisbane at 4.30pm.

Dozens of locals dressed as Dunedin’s famous yellow-eyed penguins are expected to be on hand to welcome the Queensland visitors on the inaugural flight. The ‘penguins with passports’ will be hoping to win a trip for two with Pacific Blue on the new services.

Several Queensland travel writers on today’s flight from Brisbane will be staying on for a few days in Dunedin as guests of the airline and Tourism Dunedin.

Virgin Blue Group Chief Executive Brett Godfrey said the new route was an exciting one for the airline and had shown a positive response in both sales and local support. “Being the second-largest city in the South Island, this direct route provides a market opportunity to attract and satisfy both business and leisure Guests.”

Dunedin Airport CEO John McCall said the airport was looking forward to welcoming Queensland visitors as well as waving goodbye to the locals. “Since Pacific Blue began its domestic services we’ve seen an increase in domestic passenger numbers and we expect the same will happen on this new international route.”

As part of its Spring Sale, Pacific Blue is currently offering one-way internet fares Dunedin-Brisbane from $189*. Pacific Blue’s holiday program Blue Holidays offers ‘all inclusive’ deals to Brisbane, including return airfares and two nights accommodation in a studio room at Citigate King George Square, from NZD$585pp**

* On sale until midnight 13 September or sold out. Direct flights only for travel between 20 October- 10 December 2009, 12 January - 25 March 2010, and 20 April - 24 June 2010. All fares are subject to availability, are for one way travel and include taxes, fees and surcharges. An additional charge of $5(NZD) is applicable to each one-way international fare paid by credit or charge card. Conditions apply.

** On sale until 30 September 2009 for travel until 31 March 2009. Package price is correct as at 21/8/2009. During some periods air and hotel pricing may not be available and surcharges may apply. Prices are subject to availability and not guaranteed until the booking is completed and confirmed. Prices based on direct route, including taxes, levies and other government charges which may vary and are subject to change. Seasonal surcharges may apply. Hotel rates quoted are based on double occupancy, per room per night, unless otherwise noted. Prices based on lead-in room, additional room types available. Charges for extra persons and/or children may apply and will be charged directly by the hotel. Package conditions apply. Further conditions may apply. Prices advertised are a from price based on per person, twin share.

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