Virgin Blue has re-jigged its schedule to free up an aircraft to initially allow for three flights a week to judge support for the route. The carrier will monitor the route’s progress with a view to increasing the number of flights if there is sufficient demand.

The flights will operate on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday offering a convenient late afternoon departure from Perth with an early evening return, allowing travellers to make the most of their time in this WA holiday haven.

The low fare airline will continue its tradition of offering a special "wow" launch fare offer of $149* one-way on the net, on sale from now until 8 August for travel between 7 September and 30 September 2004. Everyday low fares will start from $199* one-way on the net, 23% cheaper than the competition.

Amanda Bolger from Virgin said, "For the people of Perth, this gives yet another fantastic direct Virgin Blue flight option to one of Australia’s key tourism destinations right in their own backyard. For those lucky enough to be based in Broome, it offers an affordable and convenient direct Virgin Blue flight to the state capital to do some business or to visit family and friends."

Connections to Broome will also be available from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne and Sydney via Perth to compliment connections already available on Saturdays via Virgin Blue’s direct Adelaide-Broome flight.

The first Perth-Broome flight will launch one week after Virgin Blue’s fourth birthday celebrations, marking four years since the airline first took to Australian skies.