Polynesian Blue Turns Two

Celebrating its second birthday this week, Polynesian Blue has blown the candles out on its big red birthday cake in celebration of its second year since launching services in 2005, bringing a new era in air travel to the people of Samoa, with a Snap Up Super Samoa Birthday Sale Fares from $99*

The airline is offering a special birthday seat sale commencing Tuesday 30 October from 12.00 noon Samoa time for flights between Apia and Auckland and Apia and Sydney from 1 to 30 November 2007.

Since its launch Polynesian Blue, a joint venture between Virgin Blue Airlines and the Government of Samoa, has introduced competition to the local aviation market bringing the cost of airfares down significantly and making it affordable for Samoans and visitors to travel to and from the beautiful island nation.

The latest figures (year ending August 2007) from the National Department of Statistics indicate that visitor arrivals to Samoa in the last 12 months have also increased by 12.8%, proving the airline has played a key role in stimulating tourism to the region.

The Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa, said, “Happy second Birthday Polynesian Blue! Our National Airline has exceeded all the expectations of my Government and continues to provide affordable fares, consistent and reliable services to our people whilst being economically viable.

The joint venture with our friends at Virgin Blue is something we are immensely proud of and our concept presents a potential opportunity for other Pacific Island nations.”

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “When we joined with the Government of Samoa to launch Polynesian Blue we were confidently optimistic the joint venture would work and despite the challenges of developing markets and record fuel prices, Polynesian Blue continues to soar. Its success is a credit to the Polynesian Blue team’s hard work and commitment and the Government of Samoa who had the foresight to pursue this unique venture.”

Polynesian Blue’s every day low fares normally start from WST $429 (plus taxes and charges of WST $95) one-way Apia-Auckland and WST $749 (plus taxes and charges of WST $123) one-way Apia-Sydney, but from Tuesday 30 October from 12.00 noon Samoa time, a special 2nd birthday sale fare of WST $99* (plus taxes and charges of WST $95) one way Apia-Auckland and WST $99* (plus taxes and surcharge of WST $123) one-way Apia-Sydney is up for grabs until sold out. Travel period is from 1 to 30 November 2007.

It’s been another big year for Polynesian Blue which announced a record pre-tax profit of NZD $5.36 million (approximately 10.5 million Tala) for the 12 months ended 30 June 2007.

In the lead-up to the busy Christmas period, Polynesian Blue has also added an additional 44 one-off flights between Sydney and Apia and Auckland and Apia return to help families spend the festive season together.

* Seats are limited and fares are one-way on the net, or $15 more by phone and exclusive of taxes and surcharges.

A credit card surcharge of an additional WST $5 per one way flight is applicable. Fare is on sale from midday Tuesday 30 October (Samoa Standard Time) until sold out, for travel between 1 November and 30 November 2007.

Flights can be booked via the Internet (www.polynesianblue.com or www.virginblue.com.au or www.flypacificblue.com) or of course through a travel agent.

A Happy Birthday report by The Mole