HONIARA, Solomon Islands (3 Dec 2008) — Virgin Blue's sister airline, Pacific Blue, today launched flights between Brisbane International Airport and the Solomon Islands. The airline will fly direct between Brisbane and Honiara twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday) using a modern fleet of Boeing 737-800 jet aircraft. One way non-stop fares from Brisbane start from $369. Connecting fares start from $649 from Perth, $489 from Sydney, $519 from Adelaide, $489 from Canberra, and $519 from Melbourne. Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said Pacific Blue's strong brand awareness would bring many benefits to the market including raising the profile of the Solomon Islands in Australia. Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua, said, "My Government and the people welcome the new air services provided by Pacific Blue. The permission to allow the new airline to operate two flights a week between Brisbane and Honiara is in line with the Government's open air policy and its desire to increase the country's tourist arrivals from Australia." Consisting of nearly 1000 islands, the Solomon Islands is one of the few remaining unspoilt nations offering a plethora of historical, leisure and adventure opportunities from scuba diving amongst the World War II wreckage, and world heritage listed reef to rare arts and crafts and eco-tourism options. Report by Carmen Sanchez, CDNN Travel News Editor | 
