Virgin Australia Airlines connects three domestic points

On 30 March, Virgin Australia Airlines’ inaugural flight from Darwin was welcomed with the traditional water arch salute at Alice Springs. The thrice-weekly services continues onto Adelaide.

• Virgin Australia Airlines increased its domestic network with the addition of two new routes on 30 March, both of which are operated by its 176-seat 737-800s. The airline introduced thrice-weekly flights from Darwin (DRW) to Alice Springs (ASP), which continue onto Adelaide (ADL). While the 1,305-kilometre sector from Darwin to Alice Springs is flown twice-daily by Qantas, the flag carrier of Australia is also providing direct competition on the Alice Springs-Adelaide route, as it flies daily. Interestingly, Qantas (daily) and Jetstar Airways (six times weekly) are flying directly between Darwin and Adelaide. Commenting on the route launches, Ian Kew, CEO, Northern Territory Airports, said: “Adding services on this important route creates options for Territory travellers, as well as inbound tourism and business segments. With a total of 41 weekly return services to the Northern Territory, Virgin Australia Airlines and its partner airlines are now well positioned to enhance international visitor opportunities to the Northern Territory.”