November 2021

18 November 2021

MEDIA RELEASE

Virgin Australia recommences seasonal services between Coffs Harbour and Melbourne

Coffs Harbour Airport will today welcome back the Virgin Australia service between Coffs Harbour and Melbourne, with VA1129 from Melbourne touching down at 4:10pm.

Commencement of Virgin Australia seasonal services coincide with the recent easing of travel restrictions between New South Wales and Victoria for fully vaccinated travellers.

Up to 7 services per week will operate between Melbourne and Coffs Harbour between 18 November 2021 and 25 April 2022, and will provide more than 20,000 seats between the two cities across the peak Christmas holiday period.

Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said the airline was pleased to reintroduce the return service between Melbourne and Coffs Harbour, as restrictions ease and interstate travel increases.

“Virgin Australia is looking forward to connecting more travellers between Melbourne and Coffs Harbour this summer,” said Mr Hartley.

“Thanks to this service, more Victorians will be able to enjoy one of New South Wales’ most beautiful holiday destinations, including the incredible beaches of Coffs Harbour and a gateway to other treasures in the region, like Nambucca Heads, Bellingen, Dorrigo and Woolgoolga.

“To give customers added confidence when making a new booking, we are continuing to waive applicable change fees and allowing unlimited changes for bookings for travel between now and 30 April 2022,” he said.

Frank Mondello, General Manager for Coffs Harbour Airport, said he was buoyed by Virgin Australia’s new seasonal service, and sees the commencement of the route as a real opportunity for the region.

“Off the back of Virgin Australia’s re-entry to the region last week with their Sydney service, this seasonal service to Melbourne is a real vote of confidence in our region.”

Coffs Harbour Airport General Manager, Frank Mondello celebrates the MEL-CFS service with Virgin Australia cabin crew.

“Offering passengers the ability to travel direct, this allows travellers to spend more time on their holiday without the need for increased travel time through connecting services at other airports.

“It’s wonderful that friends and family can be reconnected just in time for the peak Christmas holiday season”.

The commencement of the new service is welcome news too for the local tourism industry who have faced adversity in recent months, providing a much-needed boost to business.

“Our tourism operators have been doing it tough in recent months but with our stunning beaches and variety of experiences across the Coffs Coast, we expect these services to be popular with high-value travellers who stay longer and spend more”, Mr Mondello said.

The arrival of this service comes a week after the carrier resumed their Sydney service.

Across the two routes, the major capacity boost will deliver more than 54,000 seats across the peak Christmas school holiday period. Both services are operated by a 176 seat Boeing 737 jet.

Ends

Media contacts:

Agilis Airports Corporate Relations team: 0439 835 301

11 November 2021

MEDIA RELEASE

Coffs Harbour Airport welcomes Virgin Australia back into the region

Virgin Australia has today recommenced services into Coffs Harbour Airport with VA1161 from Sydney touching down at 8:20am.

Following the recent easing of travel restrictions across New South Wales, Virgin Australia’s re-entry into the region comes at a pertinent time as pent-up travel demand from Sydneysiders remains high.

The service will run at least daily, with up to 11 flights a week between Sydney and Coffs Harbour over the peak Christmas school holiday period and will inject over 3,800 seats each week between the two destinations.

Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said he was looking forward to connecting more Australians over the summer holidays, as further restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase.

“The return service between Coffs Harbour and Sydney is a great way to encourage more Aussie families to take a well-deserved holiday this summer,” said Mr Hartley.

“By linking these two great centres, we want to give more people the opportunity to experience the beautiful beaches of Coffs Harbour and the Big Banana as well as provide access to the stunning surrounding region including Nambucca Heads, Bellingen, Dorrigo and Woolgoolga.

“To give customers added confidence when making a new booking, we are continuing to waive applicable change fees and allowing unlimited changes for bookings for travel between now and 30 April 2022,” he said.

Frank Mondello, General Manager for Coffs Harbour Airport, said he was excited by Virgin Australia’s return to the region, and looks forward to the airline offering locals more choice when it comes to air travel.

“Virgin Australia’s addition of Sydney services is fantastic news for locals, as this provides more flexibility and choice for passengers travelling between our capital city, and the Coffs Coast.

“With flights daily, Virgin Australia will be able to accommodate both leisure travellers and the growing business market which will be a welcome boost to the local economy.

“These services couldn’t have arrived at a better time, as we look forward to reconnecting friends and families leading up to the holiday season”.

The arrival of this service comes exactly one week prior to the carrier operating a new route and seasonal service for the region, Melbourne to Coffs Harbour.

Across the two routes, the major capacity boost will deliver more than 54,000 seats across the peak Christmas school holiday period. Both services will be operated by a 176 seat Boeing 737 jet.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Agilis Airports Corporate Relations team: 0439 835 301