Virgin Blue’s inaugural flights to Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands have taken off from Perth, opening up another destination for Western Australian travellers.

VIrgin Blue has launched new Perth flights

The flight to Christmas Island took off last Thursday (Apr 1), while the Cocos Island service was inaugurated just a few hours ago today (Apr 6).

The airline will operate two direct flights weekly between Perth and Christmas Island on Thursdays and Saturdays and a third service weekly via the Cocos (Keeling) Islands on Tuesdays.

Virgin Blue is operating an Embraer E-190 jet on the new routes, an aircraft which has more seat capacity and the capability to fly non-stop to the islands, negating the need for the aircraft to stopover in Learmonth for re-fuelling like the previous carrier.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group CEO, Brett Godfrey, said: “Interest in travel to this region has already increased with the introduction of our low fares and we’re confident tourism to both Christmas and Cocos Islands will continue to grow now the secret about these beautiful locations is out.”

The addition of Christmas and Cocos Islands to Virgin Blue’s growing network means the people of Perth have the option to fly domestically or internationally non-stop to 13 destinations on the Virgin Blue Airlines Group network.

Lead-in fares from Perth to Christmas Island start from $464 one-way on the internet, significantly cheaper than fares offered by previous carriers to the island.

Linda Cash of Christmas Island Tourism Association, said: “This is the biggest boost to tourism the island has ever seen.

“Virgin Blue’s new service to Christmas Island is a win for both the local community and tourists – increased seat capacity, less time in the air and, most importantly, better value.

“This increase in accessibility means people who have only ever dreamt of travelling to our shores for our famous crab migration, whalesharks, seabirds and rainforest can finally explore our natural wonders,” she said.

While the new flights are within the Australian domestic network, all services to and from Australia will arrive into and depart from Perth International Airport. Connecting fares are also available from all over Virgin Blue’s extensive network.