AFL airline partner Virgin defends grand final flights

The AFL airline partner has defended its grand final week schedule, with Virgin's boss saying it has done everything possible to help Fremantle fans.

freo fans major

The AFL airline partner has defended its grand final week schedule, with Virgin's boss saying it has done everything possible to help Fremantle fans.

There are reports out of Perth that some Dockers fans are selling grand final tickets because they cannot secure affordable flights to Melbourne.

Others are taking the "planes, trains and automobiles" approach, with stories of chartered planes or flying to Melbourne via stops as far afield as Bali and Singapore.

Some are making the long road trip across the Nullarbor for Saturday's historic grand final against Hawthorn.

It is Fremantle's first grand final since they joined the league in 1995.

"It's the old story of peak period," said Virgin chief executive John Borghetti.

"We've put about six flights on already, in addition to the normal scheduled service from Perth to Melbourne.

"What you'll find is the fares we have are just as competitive as any other carrier that's flying over.

"Every carrier is trying to find seats."

Borghetti was speaking at the announcement of his airline's new five-year deal with the AFL.

He said he felt for fans who are unable to find flights to Melbourne.

"I'd love to be able to put on another 100 planes on the route," he said.

"But we don't have another 100 planes.

"We've moved everything we can, just like every other carrier I'm sure has.

"We've provided 5500 more seats in the market than what normally are the case."