Branson's new Australian carrier named Virgin Blue - Brief Article

Airline Industry Information, May 3, 2000

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Sir Richard Branson's new Australian airline, previously know as Virgin Australia, has been named Virgin Blue Airlines.

Branson held a competition, sponsored by a Brisbane radio station, to name the new low-cost domestic carrier and the winner was selected from over 3,000 entries. Branson said the name reflects the airline's 'true blue' commitment to delivering low fares. It also represents the fact that Australians refer to red heads as 'bluey' (the aircraft are red in colour) and also, perhaps, that 'some people suspect we are going to have a bit of a "blue" with the big airlines' said Branson. Other imaginative entries put forward in the competition included 'I Can Afford That Airline' and 'Virgin Down Under'.

The first of Virgin Blue's fleet of Boeing 737s is scheduled to arrive from Virgin Express within a month and the airline expects to commence operations before the Sydney Olympic Games in September.

Virgin Blue Airlines is planning to announce its planned launch routes within the next few weeks.

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