Virgin Australia has announced on Thursday that residents in around Mount Isa can claim residential fares and access more affordable and flexible air travel.
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The program, which is available for residents in regional areas in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, is designed for residents with essential travel needs, such as for medical treatment or a family emergency, to book travel to a capital city at short notice and at a capped fare price.
Virgin Australia General Manager Network and Revenue Management, Russell Shaw said the program was launched in response to community feedback to make travel more accessible for those in remote parts of Australia.
"We understand residents in our regional communities sometimes need to make last-minute travel plans, but short booking timeframes and demand for these services can mean fares become very expensive, and often the lowest fare types aren't as flexible if plans change.
"We're pleased to be able to help alleviate some of the stress involved when having to book last minute and to keep our guests located in regional areas connected when it matters most," he said.
Federal Member for Flynn, Ken O'Dowd said: "I congratulate Virgin Australia on the introduction of their new Regional Fares Program. This will be welcomed by many residents of Emerald and surrounding townships.
"I hear too often of people having to travel by road from Emerald to Brisbane when there is a family or medical emergency because the cost of booking a last-minute flight was simply unaffordable. Now families can have peace of mind knowing that if they have to book a flight at short notice Virgin Australia offer a capped fare," Mr O'Dowd said.
KAP Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter welcomed Virgin Australia's new Regional Fares Program which he hoped would create competition, but urged that prices be kept respectable.
"We wholeheartedly acknowledge that now is a particularly difficult time for airlines, and on that basis, we welcome this program, but airfares must be affordable for regional communities who have copped exorbitant fares for far too long," he said.
"We encourage people to take advantage of this fares program to enable competition in a market that is highly dominated by one major player."
Mount Isa Airport General Manager Brendan Cook welcomed the news.
"We welcome this positive initiative by Virgin Australia to provide discounted airfares for Mount Isa residents," Mr Cook said.
"The discount delivered by Virgin Australia via the Regional Fares Program will be matched by Mount Isa Airport, supporting more affordable regional airfares."
Fares are available to residents who are members of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program and who have their profile linked to a regional address that is within range of an eligible port. Bookings must be made directly through the Regional Fares Program page on the Virgin Australia website here.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
