After an absence of 11 years, Virgin Australia will fly to Mount Isa. Commencing from 13 August 2012 Virgin Australia will have a daily return jet service between the city of Mount Isa and Brisbane from Monday to Friday
The service has been introduced with the support of the mining company Xstrata who will use both Virgin Australia and Qantas services to ensure Mount Isa has two reliable and competitive airlines to provide benefits to the local community.
Xstrata Copper North Queensland Chief Operating Officer Steve de Kruijff said the new service comes after passenger numbers flying through Mount Isa Airport increased by 10% between March 2011 and March 2012 to almost 22,000 people. "Xstrata has a high demand for flight services for contractors working on our many development projects expanding our operations as well as for business travel to and from our Brisbane head offices."Mr de Kruijff said the announcement is also great news for employees and their families in Mount Isa.
Mr de Kruijff thanked the other industry groups and bodies in the Mount Isa region that have joined them in voicing a need for a second airline to service Mount Isa. "Organisations such as the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce, our local representatives and the State Government should also be recognised for their tireless efforts in pursuing a second airline to come to Mount Isa," Mr de Kruijff said.
http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/about-us/media/2012/NEW-SERVICES-TO-MOUNT-ISA/ for copy of media release.