[Robert Bing]

Two award winning airlines, New World Carrier, Virgin Blue and WA based Skywest have announced a new code-share partnership set for take-off from 4 February 2008.

The two airlines will work together with the key benefits being an increased number of destinations and services for Virgin Blue Guests which will now also include Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie/Boulder, Kununurra and additional flights from Perth to Broome, offering a more convenient and streamlined travel experience.

The new code-share agreement will allow travellers to purchase Virgin Blue fares from Sydney and Melbourne to Perth, and connect seamlessly onto selected SKYWEST flights (or vice versa). Guests don’t need to worry about picking up their luggage until they get to their final destination. All tickets purchased on codeshare flights are eligible to earn Virgin Blue Velocity Points.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, "Skywest and Virgin Blue already work together via Skywest's participation in Virgin Blue’s loyalty program "Velocity", and the code-share agreement is a strengthening of co-operation between our two airlines."

He continued, "Increasing our codeshare partnerships is part of Virgin Blue’s New World Carrier strategy to give especially corporate travellers more benefits and more options through an enhanced network to our Guests.

This new arrangement also increases our footprint in regional WA while at the same time strengthening ties with a quality WA based airline."

Skywest Chief Executive Officer Paul Daff, said the codeshare agreement opened up seamless travel between Sydney/Melbourne and some of WA’s premier destinations.

"Skywest is pleased to partner with Virgin Blue to further grow the Eastern states market and to build exposure of Skywest’s WA destinations" Mr Daff said.

Bookings for Skywest connecting flights can be made as of Monday the 21st January via the Virgin Blue’s website www.virginblue.com.au with the codeshare seating available from February 2008.