Virgin Australia is thrilled to announce its return to Uluru with the expansion of its domestic network to include two new direct services connecting the iconic destination with Melbourne and Brisbane. Starting on June 6, 2024 and June 7, 2024, the airline will begin operating flights to Uluru from these two major Australian cities. This marks the first time Virgin Australia has ever offered Uluru services from Brisbane and Melbourne, opening up new travel opportunities for both domestic and international travelers.
Flights between Brisbane and Uluru will operate three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while Melbourne to Uluru services will be available up to four times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. By introducing these new domestic flights, Virgin Australia aims to create more seamless flight connections, particularly for travelers flying with their North American codeshare partner, United Airlines. Additionally, the expanded flight options will provide more flexibility for travelers connecting from major East Coast gateways.
Launched in partnership with the Northern Territory Government and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, the new services will inject over 62,000 seats per year into the “Red Centre.” This will not only benefit travelers, but also support the growth of the Indigenous Tourism sector. The initiative is expected to contribute to the Northern Territory’s visitor expenditure, which is currently more than AUD$3 billion (approximately $1.9 billion).
Jayne Hrdlicka, the CEO of Virgin Australia, expressed her excitement about the airline’s return to Uluru and the launch of the new direct services. She emphasized the cultural significance and natural beauty of Uluru, stating that it is a special place in Australia and a cultural landmark that represents the country to the world. Hrdlicka also highlighted the airline’s commitment to connecting Australians and international tourists to the spiritual heartland of Australia.
Furthermore, Hrdlicka expressed pride in offering direct flights to Uluru from Melbourne and Brisbane for the first time. She believes that the forecasted demand from these cities, combined with the excellent connectivity from international airline partners, will provide a much-needed tourism boost to the region. The increased competition in the market and additional seat capacity to Uluru will give travelers a greater choice and more value when flying to the ‘Red Centre.’
In addition to enhancing travel options, the expansion of Virgin Australia’s domestic network will also have positive economic impacts. The airline’s collaboration with the Northern Territory Government and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia will support the growth of the Indigenous Tourism sector, which is an important part of the region’s tourism industry.
This news comes as a promising development for travelers seeking to experience the beauty and cultural significance of Uluru. With the introduction of new direct services to Uluru from Melbourne and Brisbane, Virgin Australia is making it easier for travelers to visit this iconic destination and explore the unique offerings of the “Red Centre.”
In conclusion, Virgin Australia’s expansion of its domestic network to include direct services to Uluru from Melbourne and Brisbane represents an exciting development in the Australian travel industry. The collaboration with the Northern Territory Government and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia demonstrates the airline’s commitment to supporting the growth of the Indigenous Tourism sector and contributing to the overall visitor expenditure in the Northern Territory. With increased seat capacity and more flight options, travelers can look forward to greater flexibility and value when planning their trips to the iconic Uluru.