Future Air Services for Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Virgin Australia has been selected as the preferred provider of air services to Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government Paul Fletcher made the announcement today following a tender process undertaken late last year.

“I am pleased to announce that Virgin Australia has been chosen as the preferred provider of air services to Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands from 1 August 2016,” Mr Fletcher said.

“I thank Virgin Australia for working with the Australian Government to deliver essential air services to these remote island territories, connecting them with mainland Australia and supporting tourism and business opportunities.”

Virgin Australia has delivered air services to the islands since 2010 under a contract with the Government. Mr Fletcher said two weekly A320 passenger flights and a fortnightly air freighter currently fly from Perth to both islands.

“The current Tuesday and Saturday passenger services are expected to be maintained in the new schedule to enable a smooth transition to the new contract. I have also requested that Virgin Australia continues to take forward passenger bookings to enable travellers to make their arrangements with confidence, he said.

Future air freight services will form part of the negotiations between the Government and Virgin Australia.

The contract is expected to be finalised in the coming months for commencement on 1 August 2016.