By James Wilkinson
Pacific Blue has announced it will increase Australia-Bali flights from June 1 with the launch of direct services from both Melbourne and Sydney.
Pacific Blue now offers Bali flights from five Australian cities
The announcement of direct Melbourne and Sydney flights comes just three months after the successful launch of Bali services from Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.
Virgin Blue Group CEO Brett Godfrey said the strong connecting traffic from Melbourne and Sydney was the main reason for the expansion of services to Bali.
“Bali has traditionally been a popular destination for Australians and we have seen strong connecting traffic from Melbourne and Sydney so the next obvious step was to put on direct services,” he said.
“We are pleased to be offering more convenient flying options from other key capital city destinations and providing another airline choice for people to fly to Bali on.Once we launch the new flights, Pacific Blue will offer direct flights from more Australian cities than any other airline.”
Godfrey also said Adelaide will also benefit at the same time, with services set to be ramped up from twice- to thrice-weekly.
The increased flights to Bali will keep Australian arrivals to the island climbing. Recent statistics showed Australian travellers recorded the highest number of visitor numbers for the month of January, edging out Japan and Korea.
In January, Australia recorded 27,873 visitors arriving in Bali, ahead of 25,324 for visitors from Japan, according to the Bali Government Tourism Office.
Godfrey said the current holiday package prices are the lowest they have been for two decades and to further stimulate mini-breaks, the airline was currently offering flights for $299 each way on the internet from both Melbourne and Sydney.
“Indonesia was Pacific Blue’s first foray in to the Asian region and its close proximity to Australia is a big drawcard for people keen to take a mini-break without breaking the bank,” he said.
“Holiday package prices are at the lowest they have been for two decades so it is providing ideal opportunities for some great deals, not just in the air but also on arrival in Bali.”
Blue Holidays currently has some hot deals to Bali on offer, including a package which includes return flights from Australia to Bali (inclusive of taxes) and five nights at the Novotel Nusa Dua in Bali, starting from $898 per person twin share.
