On May 2, Virgin Blue Airlines announced it will open its fifth airport lounge in Canberra as part of plans to capture a greater share of business and Government traveller markets.

The announcement was made at the annual BTTB Travel Conference and Exhibition in Sydney. It will be the fifth "The Lounge" facility opened by Virgin Blue in less than two years. Others include Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Canberra was selected as the next destination for "The Lounge" in response to demand from the Government and business Guests who use the airport and in response to requests from existing members of "The Lounge" as their preferred location for Virgin Blue's next facility.

Virgin Blue is scheduled to open Canberra's "The Lounge" by September, 2007, allowing Guests travelling to Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, the opportunity to spend time working or relaxing between flights in a modern, business friendly environment.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, "We made a decision to increase our appeal to the value and quality conscious corporate market. The Lounges are part of that plan, particularly in Canberra where we aim to increase our share of Australia's Federal Government travel."

"We recognise that to do that, we need to offer not only affordable fares and great service but also appropriate facilities. Having a lounge in Canberra is recognition of that and has been an ambition for some time."

Stephen Byron, Managing Director of Canberra International Airport said, "We are delighted that Virgin Blue has chosen Canberra as the location for its fifth Airport Lounge. This announcement is yet another vote of confidence by the Airline in the future of Canberra as a significant business destination."

Virgin Blue's "The Lounge" network is part of the airline's growing package of services for frequent flyers, business travellers and Government travellers.

Other products and services launched by the airline in the past two years include the award winning Velocity Frequent Flyer program, Corporate Plus, Blue Zone seating option, Self Check-in kiosks at airports and its Web Check-in option.

Virgin Blue's Canberra "The Lounge" will feature 575 square metres of space overlooking the runway and tarmac area and offering an all-inclusive food and beverage service (barista and alcoholic beverages). The Lounge will also offer bookable meeting rooms, quiet business areas, wireless internet access and a relax zone.

Annual membership costs AU$349 with a one-off joining fee of AU$199 and members are able to bring a Guest free of charge. Non-members are also able to visit The Lounge for AU$30 per visit. Corporate and government rates are available upon request.