Virgin's Australian low-cost carrier Virgin Blue will launch international operations on 29 January under the Pacific Blue brand, with services across the Tasman Sea between Christchurch and Brisbane using Boeing 737-800s. Christchurch-Melbourne services will begin on 4 March. A new brand is needed as Virgin Blue does not have the right to use the Virgin name outside Australia. Tony Marks, former chief executive of Origin Pacific Airways, will head the new airline. Meanwhile, Formula One Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart is reported to be planning a new Melbourne-based low-cost carrier.
Source: Flight International
