Budget airline Viva Macau has begun selling its much-awaited fares from Sydney to the Chinese province, offering a $768 flight and accommodation package as an impressive lure.
The carrier will touch down in Sydney on August 15 as the first Asian low-fares airline to fly to Australia’s eastern seaboard.
Introductory fares of $305 one-way and $588 return, inclusive of all taxes and charges, would be available until October, Viva Macau CEO Con Korfiatis said yesterday.
Speaking at the launch of the new Australian route, the former Qantas executive said the airline would initially connect Sydney and Macau with a tri-weekly service.
Mr Korfiatis intends eventually to have daily services between the two cities, and further services to Melbourne and Brisbane with its Boeing 767 wide-bodied aircraft.
“We are excited to be the pioneers connecting Australia and Macau, a city that is fast becoming Asia’s hot spot as an entertainment and conference destination,” he said.
“As Asia’s newest low-fare airline, we aim to offer value-for-money travel – ultra-low fares, extra comfort with our wide body aircraft, premium airline seat pitch, two-class configuration, as well as other value-added services like allocated seating, air and hotel package options.”
The $768 package includes return flights, transfers and three nights’ accommodation in a four-and-a-half star hotel.
A gambling haven and an emerging economic and corporate entity, Macau opens up a plethora of new opportunities for business.
While only small in comparison to Hong Kong – a 40-minute ferry ride away – more than 90 million people live in the surrounding Pearl River Basin.
Viva Macau will not compete directly with Jetstar Asia, but the impending arrival of AirAsiaX will present the first real threat to Australian carriers. The Malaysian-based carrier is yet to finalise its Australian destination, but intends to launch its flights as early as September.
It is believed to be favouring Melbourne’s Avalon airport and Newcastle as its preferred choices.
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