Virgin Australia’s planned Sydney to Darwin service will complement the carrier’s international network, according to group executive of alliances, network and yield Merren McArthur.

Kicking off sales for the new service yesterday for flights launching 2 April this year, flights will be operated by Singapore Airline subsidiary Silk Air and provide “seamless connections” from Darwin to other Virgin domestic and international ports.

“The service has been timed to facilitate easy connections to and from popular Australian destinations such as Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and the Gold Coast, as well as a range of major international destinations around the world including Singapore, Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi and Honolulu,” Ms McArthur explained.

“We will also be working closely with our alliance partner Singapore Airlines as well as the Government, Tourism Northern Territory and Darwin Airport to promote the Northern Territory in hundreds of cities around the world.” 

Utilising the airline’s Boeing 737 aircraft, the new daily, direct flights will also increase competition on flights between Sydney and Darwin in Economy and Business Class.

“Travellers will also have the option of our new Business Class on this route as well as a new Virgin Australia lounge at Darwin Airport, which is an attractive proposition for corporates and high-end leisure travellers,” Ms McArthur added.