Sir Richard Branson waves a West Australian flag from the cockpit on arrival at Perth Airport after Virgin Australia purchased Perth-based regional airline, Skywest. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
RURAL travellers will benefit from air fares up to 20 per cent cheaper, after Virgin today unveiled its new-look regional carrier.
Virgin Australia Regional Airline, launched today by high-flying founder Richard Branson marks the airline's next strategic move as it now prepares to take on Qantas in regional Australia.
It's the first time the Virgin boss has been to the country since 2011 when he came for the re-branding of Virgin Blue to Virgin Australia.
The purchase of Skywest, a regional airline in WA that has operated for nearly 50 years flying to 16 destinations, is said to firmly cement the airline's footprint in the regional market. It also adds another 32 planes to Virgin's fleet.
Rural customers have long bemoaned the exorbitant amount it cost to travel to major cities, with many routes serviced by only one carrier, either QantasLink or Rex.
Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti and Sir Richard Branson pose with flight crew after launching their expanded regional operations in Australia.Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Virgin Regional, which is being managed by group executive Merren McArthur, has made no secret of its plans to expand its regional network with work already starting on integrating the Skywest business.
Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti described the airline as a momentous day for the Australian travel industry.
"This country has one of the most geographically dispersed populations in the world and reliable, affordable air services are vital to the growth of regional Australia."
"In 2010, we articulated a strategy to become the airline of choir for all travellers in Australia. Since then, we have changed the competitive landscape in many ways and today marks our next major leap forward."
Skywest addied another 32 planes to it's fleet following the Virgin takeover. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
The new airline will have over 800 services operating per week to 41 destinations.
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