Virgin Australia is set to commence services between Melbourne and Hamilton Island from August 15, 2013.
It will be the first airline to offer Business Class on the route since 2004 and the airline will operate its Boeing 737-800 aircraft that include 8 Business Class and 168 Economy Class seats.
“Hamilton Island remains a very popular holiday destination for Australians,” said Virgin Australia Chief Commercial Officer, Judith Crompton.
“We continue to review customer demand and the local community and tourism operators have told us that a direct service to Melbourne would be beneficial in bringing more choice to those flying in and out of this popular destination.
“We already fly direct from Brisbane and Sydney and are delighted to now offer leisure travellers a direct service from Melbourne,” she said.
From 15 August 2013 flights will depart Melbourne at 8:30am on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, arriving into Hamilton Island at 11:30am. The return flight departs Hamilton Island at midday on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday arriving into Melbourne at 3:00pm. During off-peak months (between February and June), services will only operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The announcement was immediately welcomed by Hamilton Island management.
“Hamilton Island relies heavily on our airline partners, so we are thrilled that Virgin Australia has chosen to expand its offering and will be servicing Hamilton Island and the surrounding Whitsunday region direct from Melbourne,” said Hamilton Island’s General Manager of Sales, Phillipa Harrison.
“The timing also couldn’t be better, with the flights commencing on August 15, 2013, just ahead of the start of the 30th celebration of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week on August 17,” she said.