V Australia, Virgin Blue’s premium long-haul airline, took off from Brisbane International Airport at 10am on Sunday November 22 on its inaugural flight to Phuket, in Boeing 777-300 aircraft, which boasts a three class cabin including 33 fully lie-flat beds in International Business, 40 International Club seats in Premium Economy and 288 Economy seats, which offers guests the only direct route between Brisbane and Phuket and a range of services to suit both business and leisure travellers. To celebrate the new route, V Australia has announced a $399* one-way “Tuk Tuk Off To Phuket” launch fare on sale until midnight November 23, for travel on direct flights between Brisbane and Phuket until December 17 and from January 15 – May 31.

Lead-in fares start from $499* one-way on the net for International Economy, $999* for Premium Economy and $1999* for all the bells and whistles in V Australia’s award-winning International Business Class Cabin. All fares are fully inclusive of taxes and surcharges with the direct flights departing from Brisbane to Phuket every Friday and Sunday. Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey, said: “With our first flight full to overflowing it’s obvious that Queenslanders have been waiting sometime for a direct service to Phuket and V Australia is pleased to be filling that gap."

In celebration of the new services inaugural flight guests on Sunday will enjoy a Thai spectacular when they check-in at Brisbane International Airport. As well as being entertained by traditional Thai dancers, guests will enjoy a complimentary Thai inspired banquet including; cocktails and a selection of finger food. Godfrey added: “Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles” and we have every intention of giving travellers plenty of reasons to smile when it comes to being able to afford to holiday in one of Asia’s most exotic hot spots.”

While the launch schedule is designed to allow for a convenient week, long weekend or 10 day Phuket getaway, Virgin Blue will closely monitor demand for the new flights to determine future schedules and frequency increases based on support for the new services.