Launched in partnership with the Northern Territory Government and Voyages Indigenous Tourism (operators of Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru), the new services will add 62,000 seats to the Red Centre each year, while supporting the growth of the Indigenous tourism sector which contributes almost $6bn^ to the national visitor economy.
The increased access and tourism will also benefit Indigenous employment and training at Ayers Rock Resort, where over 30 per cent of the workforce identifies as Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander - making it one of the largest Indigenous employers in the Australian tourism sector.
Connecting the world to Uluru
Virgin Australia’s Uluru services will also create a new convenient gateway for travellers from Victoria and Queensland, while opening one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks to more than 600 cities around the world through Virgin Australia’s codeshare partnerships with major airlines including Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines and more. Codeshare flights to Uluru will also mean international tourists can travel on a single ticket, creating a seamless journey to the Red Centre when they visit Australia.
The flights will be operated using Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737 aircraft, with up to 182 seats on every flight, including three seating choices (Business Class, Economy X (extra leg room Economy) and Economy).
Virgin Australia CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, said the launch of Virgin Australia Uluru services marks a very special milestone for the airline.
“Uluru is an incredibly important destination for Virgin Australia as one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in this country and a much-loved place for holiday makers to visit from all over the world,” said Ms Hrdlicka.
“We are proud to be connecting Australians to Uluru as part of our ongoing mission to provide more value and choice to travellers. We know the return of Virgin Australia Uluru services will be welcome news for our people, tourism partners, guests, and our more than 12-million Velocity members, who can now earn and redeem Points on these services.
“Thanks to our wonderful partnerships with some of the world’s leading airlines, including Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines, we will now connect Uluru on a single airline ticket to more than 600 cities around the world, opening a new gateway for international tourists to explore Australia’s iconic Red Centre,” she said.