Virgin international flights from DRW?

[nlagalle]

I'm currently working in Darwin this week and noticed a story in the paper (NT News) about Virgin considering INT flights from DRW.

There is no online link but here are some extracts from the story:

The NT News understands that Virgin Australia is in discussions with the Terri-tory Government about expanding its flights from Darwin, with international flights to Singapore and beyond a possibility.

NT Chief Minister Paul Henderson yesterday met with Virgin Australia boss John Borghetti. It is not known if the Government will offer Virgin any financial incentive to operate more flights from Darwin.

The Chief Minister's office last night confirmed the meeting but would not give details about what was discussed. But it is understood the Government is keen to see Virgin introduce international flights from Darwin, 10 years after the airline's first domestic flights touched down in the Top End.

 

[markis10]

If virgin can get a few more late afternoon flights ex DRW to east coast cities they would be on a big winner, especially if it offered a non night connection ex Asia!

 

[Simsy85]

Tis indeed true...

Looking forward to it!

 

[777]

With the tie up with singapore it would make sense. But better schedules to the south to go with it would make a lot of sense.

 

[markis10]

The 6Pm MEL flight is a cracker for doing business, and PE pricing is pretty sweet as well!

 

[loobloke]

DRW folks who no longer have to fly JQ or via east coast to get anywhere ..... rejoice! I personally know several people who are quite sick of the international situation in DRW and the lack of a full service carrier.

Honestly, if they can fix up their schedules and have some respectable departure/arrival times for both int and dom flights, this is a winner.

From growing up in DRW I can say the government there leaps at any opportunity to attract tourism to the top end, its one of the biggest selling points for us up there, so I'm hopeful they will offer something.

 

[loobloke]

The 6Pm MEL flight is a cracker for doing business, and PE pricing is pretty sweet as well!

The MEL-DRW redeye is not, as well as the BNE-DRW. I know they use it for freight but having only 1 other option (on sat/sun) for reasonable times tests my patience at times. I understand needing to have redeye, but there aren't many DJ options to choose from if you prefer not to.

Though the PE pricing, for a 4 hour flight is very nice. Especially considering if you book late its almost a similar price to flexi.

 

[markis10]

The MEL-DRW redeye is not.

Nope, which is why I am going via PER for the same price this month! Redeyes are against my religion !

 

[Simsy85]

Nope, which is why I am going via PER for the same price this month! Redeyes are against my religion !

And you get the A330 and J class!