Virgin Australia today came good on yesterday’s speculation confirming the announcement of a new daily Cairns to Tokyo route from June 28 2023 to be operated by its soon to be acquired longer range Boeing 737 Max aircraft.
Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer, Jayne Hrdlicka said the announcement of Virgin Australia’s new Cairns-Haneda service wraps up a big year for the airline, which has significantly expanded its short-haul international network.
“I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new daily, year-round Cairns-Haneda service with VA77 taking off on 28 June next year. We’re excited to offer our guests access directly into and out of Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, on new fuel-efficient aircraft,” she said.
“Virgin Australia is a proud Queensland company and we’re delighted to add over 2,000 seats between these iconic destinations every week which means more value and choice for Australians wanting to travel to Japan. Importantly, it also means welcoming more Japanese tourists into the Sunshine State to enjoy our unrivalled natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands.
“We know the Japanese market is hugely important to trade and tourism in Far North Queensland and the Sunshine State and our service will result in more international visitors arriving in Cairns every year, having a very positive impact on the State’s economy.”
Queensland Minister for Tourism, Stirling Hinchliffe said Virgin Australia’s direct service from Haneda to Cairns was supported by Queensland’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, in partnership with the State’s four international airports.
“Japan is an important part of our inbound international tourism recovery plan for iconic destinations like Cairns and Tropical North Queensland,” he said.
“Virgin Australia direct from Japan is terrific news for tourism operators, generating almost $70 million for the Tropical North’s visitor economy and supporting 680 good Queensland jobs.”
In further great news for Virgin Velocity Frequent Flyer members the announcement was also complemented by the further strengthening of the airline’s strategic partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA). The partnership will not only see Virgin Australia and ANA provide members of the airline’s Velocity and ANA Mileage Club frequent flyer programs reciprocal loyalty benefits throughout 2023 and beyond when travelling on each carrier, but greater codeshare flight access between the countries.
ANA EVP of Alliances & International Affairs, Mr. Junichiro Miyagawa said “As a strategic and significant partner to ANA, we are excited for Virgin Australia’s inaugural flight to Haneda that enhances our commercial partnership. We are delighted to welcome passengers with the mutual goal of both airlines serving as the bridge between Australia and Japan with the highest levels of customer service and offering unique customer experiences in the two countries.”
To celebrate the momentous occasion for Virgin Australia the airlines has announced a massive ‘Hello Tokyo’ sale with tickets on sale from $699 return, until midnight next Tuesday 20 December 2022 or until sold out.
