Aussie carrier launches Phuket service

Australian long-haul carrier V Australia yesterday announced Phuket as one of its two new destinations, with direct flights to the island from Brisbane and Melbourne set to begin later this year. Twice weekly flights to Phuket from Brisbane will begin on November 22, while once weekly flights from Melbourne will begin on December 3. As part of its publicity campaign, the carrier is offering one-way tickets to Phuket from AUS$399 (10,870 baht), including taxes and surcharges.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group chief executive Brett Godfrey said V Australia would be the only airline to offer direct flights from Brisbane and Melbourne to Phuket.

V Australia, a member of the Virgin Blue Airlines group, was launched in February this year. The airline is soon to take delivery of its fourth Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, configured in a three-class configuration.