VIRGIN BLUE TO LEASE UP TO 18 NEW AIRCRAFT IN ALLIANCE WITH SKYWEST

Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd says it will add turbo prop aircraft to its fleet and expand to regional areas through a 10-year strategic alliance with the Western Australia-based Skywest Airlines. Virgin Blue announced today that it would lease up to 18 new turbo prop aircraft, which would be decked out in airline’s distinctive red livery, but operated by Skywest. The first aircraft is due in mid-2011 and four were expected to be in the air by the end of the year, allowing Virgin Blue to fly to new destinations in regional Australia currently not economical for jet operations. Virgin Blue