Lower Fares to Australia are Coming as Virgin Spreads Its Wings From South Africa to Australia With Its Newest Airline

BRISBANE, Australia -

- From Leopards and Lions to Koalas and Kangaroos

- V Australia to Launch Flights from Johannesburg to Melbourne

– Coming soon!! Sir Richard Branson’s newest Australian airline to bring low fares, koalas on the aircraft wall, opera house shakers, the Southern Cross, a new airline choice and world famous Virgin service to the people of South Africa.

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Group, has today announced that Australia’s newest international airline, V Australia, will launch direct flights between Johannesburg, South Africa and Melbourne, Australia from early next year.^

V Australia launched flights between Australia and the US in February this year and has already been recognized for its exceptional in-flight product, friendly crew and unique Australiana touches. The airline is the sister carrier to Richard Branson’s other long haul airline, Virgin Atlantic, which already operates flights from the United Kingdom to Johannesburg.

V Australia will begin flying between Australia and South Africa in March next year, just in time to fly hordes of fans to Johannesburg for the FIFA World Cup.

Flights from Johannesburg to Melbourne will take off on 13 March 2010 and operate twice weekly with connections to other Australian cities including Sydney and Brisbane.

Sir Richard Branson said, “I am very proud to be bringing our fresh new Aussie airline to South Africa and can’t wait for it to touch down for the first time on South African soil. I know V Australia will offer true value for money, while at the same time providing a brilliant service.”

He added, “I am especially pleased that it will mean lower fares to Australia and will also bring more Aussie visitors to experience the special beauty of South Africa, its people, its landscape and of course, the big five.”

V Australia is part of the award winning Virgin Blue Group of Airlines, based in Australia and operates a brand new fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The carrier offers a three class service including International Business, International Premium Economy and International Economy.

The airline was designed to offer the most comfortable, high-tech, innovative and pleasurable long haul flying experience available and does so via a range of special features from the sit-down in-flight bar, fully lie-flat beds and “privacy suite” seating options in Business Class to the complimentary thongs and salt and pepper shakers in the shape of the Sydney Opera House that are gifted to Business Class Guests.

The aircraft also features Australian animals hidden in wallpaper murals on the bathroom walls, a Ladies Only Toilet and the Southern Cross sky twinkling on the cabin roof through its innovative mood lighting system. Every V Australia Guest across all cabins is able to enjoy our “Red” individual seat back in-flight entertainment providing a wide array of films, music and games.

Sir Richard Branson continued, “The one special thing that sets Virgin airlines apart from all other airlines around the world is the people who fly our aircraft and the people who look after our Guests, whether it be in the air or on the ground and I am personally excited that travellers can now fly from Australia direct to South Africa on V Australia and then on to London with Virgin Atlantic under the great care of Virgin crew all the way.”

Virgin Blue Group revolutionized air travel in the Australian market when it first launched almost 10 years ago and has been credited with providing competitive air fares, sterling service and for bringing back old fashioned fun and glamour to both domestic and international flying.

The commencement of V Australia flights to Johannesburg will mean South African travellers will be able to fly all around the world on a Virgin airline including to Australia and then across to Los Angeles on V Australia, on to New York on Virgin America, followed by a flight to London and then back to South Africa on Virgin Atlantic.

V Australia plans to announce super specials to Australia shortly, signaling a new era of air fare competition on South Africa- Australia routes.

^ Subject to Government and regulatory approval.

Media: For V Australia Airlines information, log on to www.vaustralia.com.au or contact:

Heather Jeffery General Manager Public Affairs Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd Ph: +61-7-3295-5898 Email: heather.jeffery@virginblue.com.au Amanda Bolger Manager Public and Media Relations Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd Ph: +61-7-3295-3115 Email: Amanda.bolger@virginblue.com.au

Source: V Australia

Heather Jeffery, General Manager Public Affairs, +61-7-3295-5898, heather.jeffery at virginblue.com.au, or Amanda Bolger, Manager Public and Media Relations, +61-7-3295-3115, Amanda.bolger at virginblue.com.au, both of Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd, for V Australia