The Virgin Blue Group of Airlines this morning dispatched its inaugural Sydney to Uluru service.
SYDNEY – The special service, operated by a Boeing 737-800 with industry guests, media and commercial customers was farewelled by traditional indigenous didgeridoo players and dancers.
On arrival in Uluru, the aircraft and indigenous crew members under the command of Captain Kali Bellear participated in an authentic Inma by members of the Mutitjulu community.
Virgin Blue Group of Airlines Group Executive Commercial Liz Savage said the new service would bring increased competition on the route.
“Our services will provide visitors the opportunity to choose Virgin Blue’s award winning service when visiting this iconic landmark.
“Uluru is the heartland of Australian indigenous culture. Our range of fares from $199* one way will ensure it not only becomes the must see destination for the international visitor, but more Australians will travel here too,” she said.
Chief Executive of Voyages Hotels & Resorts, Chris Tallent, said: “We are delighted to see the launch of the Virgin Blue service to this iconic destination. These new flights further endorse Uluru’s significance within the Australian landscape and provide great opportunities for expansion and promotion of the region, complementing the existing airline capacity. Since going on sale, the new flights have already stimulated a strong growth in demand for the destination, both from within Australia and from the international market.”
Ms Savage said that the daily Sydney to Uluru Virgin Blue services depart at 1010am, arriving at 1.20pm. The return service leaves Uluru at 2.00pm, arriving into Sydney at 5.30pm. Connecting flights are available from a number of Australian destinations including Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth.
Australia’s most famous landmark, Uluru, incorporates dramatic outback landscapes with the history and traditions of one of the world’s oldest cultures, the Anangu people. Voyages Ayers Rock Resort sits at the gateway to the dual World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,
providing a range of accommodation options for more than 300,000 visitors each year. The Resort suits visitors of every style and budget, from the ultimate in outback luxury at Longitude 131° to a variety of hotel and apartment options, a backpackers lodge and Ayers Rock Campground.
Voyages Hotels & Resorts is an Australian-owned company that operates Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, Voyages Longitude 131° and Ayers Rock Airport.
