Virgin Australia today announced that it will introduce direct services between Darwin and Alice Springs from March 2015, to coincide with the opening of the new Virgin Australia Lounge in Darwin.

Following a meeting today with Northern Territory Chief Minister, Adam Giles and Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, John Borghetti it was agreed Virgin Australia will commence three services per week between the two cities from the end of March next year.

The airline will introduce this new weekly schedule of services using its Boeing 737 fleet of aircraft.

The introduction of these new direct services between Darwin and Alice Springs will coincide with the opening of Virgin Australia’s first domestic lounge in Darwin, which will open in the newly expanded terminal in March.

The new Darwin lounge will feature Virgin Australia’s trademark style, including luxury seating, gourmet food and beverage options and impressive views across the airport landscape.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, John Borghetti said: “We recognise the importance of the Northern Territory as a key business and tourism destination in Australia and look forward to increasing competition on these key routes to the benefit of our customers from early next year.”

Northern Territory Chief Minister, Adam Giles welcome the news of competition on the Darwin to Alice Springs route.

“These new Virgin Australia services are fantastic news for Alice Springs, creating choice on this important route and hopefully driving down ticket prices for Territory passengers.

“I am thrilled we have been able to negotiate these three new Virgin Australia flights linking two key destinations in Northern Australia. It firmly establishes Virgin Australia as a major player in our aviation industry,” Mr Giles said.

Virgin Australia will commence services between Darwin and Alice Springs from the end of March 2015.