Virgin Airlines launches new three-times-a-week Darwin to Bali return service

VIRGIN Airlines will go head-to-head with Jetstar next year launching a three-times-a-week Darwin to Bali — its first overseas destination from the Top End capital — return service from April next year

A Virgin Boeing 737-800 ... the airline will launch a three-times-a-week Darwin to Bali return service earlynext year. Picture: Marc McCormack

VIRGIN Airlines will go head-to-head with Jetstar next year launching a three-times-a-week Darwin to Bali return service from April 10 next year.

It will be a seasonal service between April 10 and October 20 and will add more than 1000 seats per week into this market.

Flights between Darwin and Bali are on sale with all-inclusive airfares available from $199 one-way.

Virgin has given itself a competitive edge, with the flights leaving Darwin at 9pm and arriving in Bali at 10.20pm.

The return flight is 3.45pm arriving in Darwin at 8pm.

At the moment Jetstar travellers have three travel options available to them – the direct two hours and 45-minute flight from Darwin which departs at 11.10pm and arrives in Bali at 12.25am, or the nine-hour flight, which departs at 6am and requires a stop in Singapore, before a 1.40pm arrival.

There is also a 14-hour flight – Darwin-Singapore-Bali – on offer as well.

Virgin Australia general manager of network, revenue management and alliances Russell Shaw said the service would be on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 176 seats.

“Virgin is offering what it believes is the most convenient schedule on the Darwin to Bali route,” he said.

“Passengers arrive well before midnight travelling from Darwin to Bali.”

Tourism Minister Lauren Moss said her department, Tourism NT, would undertake a co-operative marketing campaign with Virgin Australia in Bali to build inbound demand on the route by promoting major events such as the V8 Supercars, AFL matches and Darwin Festival.

“This is a great outcome and a vote of confidence in the Territory,” she said.

NT Airports chief executive Ian Kew said he was delighted Virgin had decided to start operations on the highly sought-after route – its first overseas destination from Darwin.

“Daytime services from Denpasar, coupled with the competitive fare structure Virgin Australia is renowned for, will be a winning combination for Territorians,” he said.