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S V Choong

Virgin Blue to launch 'Polynesian Blue'

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Virgin Blue to launch 'Polynesian Blue'

 

 

14.07.05 3.40pm

 

 

Australian discount airline Virgin Blue has signed an agreement with the Samoan Government to operate a joint venture called "Polynesian Blue".

 

The new airline will take to the skies from October, flying Boeing 737-800s from Samoa to Australia and New Zealand -- routes currently flown by Polynesian Airlines.

 

Polynesian Airlines will continue to operate its turboprop aircraft and ground handling divisions.

 

Virgin Blue and the Samoan Government will each own a 49 per cent stake, with the remaining 2 per cent held by an independent Samoan shareholder.

 

Polynesian Blue will assume Virgin's trademark low-cost structure and budget fares. The aircraft will have its own Polynesian Blue livery, featuring a red body and a palm tree on the tail along with the familiar Virgin Blue "boomerang".

 

"This is an exciting project for Virgin Blue and we are very happy to be partnering with the Samoan Government to offer a viable and affordable airline option to both the people of Samoa as well as the thousands of tourists who will visit the beautiful islands," Virgin Blue chief executive Brett Godfrey said.

 

Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the move would ensure Samoan airfares were competitive, allowing it to make the most of the growing Pacific Island tourism market.

 

The Polynesian Blue aircraft will be operated by New Zealand-based Pacific Blue. The airline is currently recruiting pilots and cabin crew from within Polynesian Airlines and externally.

 

- NZPA

 

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=3&ObjectID=10335815

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S V,

 

hope this "adventure" succeeds better than the RBA deal :rolleyes:

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S V, Thanks for sharing the info and to complement your info., excerpts from the official press release by Virgin Blue from their website. I have decided to just post excerpts here as certain issues have been well covered in the article that you've posted so as to prevent duplication of information.

 

So, here goes:

 

The Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa added, “Virgin Blue began the low fare revolution in this region and has become a key player in the market. We want to ensure that Samoa has competitive air services and participates fully in the growing tourism market to the Pacific Islands. Virgin Blue has understood this from day one and is clearly the best partner for our Government and our people. We are very pleased to have them on board with us in this innovative joint venture.”

 

Brett Godfrey continued, “Virgin Blue applauds the progressive economic management of the Samoan Government in engaging in a joint venture with a partner who understands and shares its objectives.”

 

“Many governments in the South Pacific face similar challenges in that they are heavily reliant on air travel and tourism for their economic viability. This new venture is a first for the region and bears testimony to both the initiative and creativity of the Samoan Government as well as Virgin Blue’s demonstrated ability to grow the market in the South Pacific region, with a 50% increase in the number of people travelling to Fiji from Australia since Pacific Blue launched services there.”

 

He added, “Virgin Blue looks forward to working with the Samoan Government to achieve our mutual goals of growth and market stimulation.”

 

The first Polynesian Blue flight from New Zealand to Samoa (with connections from Australia) is expected to take off in late October (subject to final Government approvals), with the carrier to start selling seats in September via www.virginblue.com.au and www.polynesianblue.com.

 

The full press release can be found at Virgin Blue's website at www.virginblue.com.au

 

Looks like they have been quick to even have a website for Polynesian Blue itself.

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