Virgin Blue launch new regional network partnership

Virgin Blue and regional airline Skywest have announced a new 10 year partnership which will see up to 18 new turboprop aircraft operated by Skywest in Virgin Blue colours, flying into regional Australia, in direct competition to the Qantas Link monopoly.

“The first aircraft will arrive mid 2011 with four Virgin Blue branded aircraft in operation by the end of the year. These modern aircraft will have excellent fuel efficiencies, allowing us to keep airfares low for our customers.”

Speculation remains as to whether these new aircraft will be Q400s or ATR72s, one thing we do know is Skywest are also set to order these same aircraft as a fleet upgrade for its current F50 fleet.  Speculation also rages that these aircraft will be based out of Brisbane and service regional QLD, although no announcements on routes have been made.

Read the full media release from Virign Blue HERE