Subject to regulatory approval, the airline says it hopes to launch direct flights to and from Johannesburg from March 13, 2010, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Flights will depart Johannesburg at 8.50pm, arriving in Melbourne at 5.50pm the following day. The return service will depart Melbourne at 11am, arriving in Johannesburg at 6.20pm.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, "We believe our new destinations offer very exciting opportunities."

?Travellers outbound will experience Australian aviation at its best? and we have high hopes for inbound tourism as we work with partners in our new markets to help develop traffic into Australia via Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.?

?V Australia will be the only airline to offer direct flights? from Melbourne to South Africa. The March launch of Joburg flights will be just in time for fans travelling to South Africa to cheer on the Socceroos at the Soccer (FIFA) World Cup,? he added.

V Australia is a three class boutique style airline offering ' a unique Australian style'. On board the airline?s brand new 361-seat 777-300ER aircraft, configuration includes a Business Class cabin with 33 fully lie-flat beds, Premium Economy with 40 International Club seats and 288 International Economy seats.

All cabins offer the red, state-of-the-art personal seat back entertainment, seat to seat 'chat' or competition connectivity. The airline also has two in-flight bars, mood lighting including twilight and sunset, bathrooms with piped music including a "ladies only" bathroom and other touches of Australiana from salt and pepper shakers to hidden wallpaper murals.

Special launch fares from Johannesburg to Melbourne start at A$1899 (R12 755). All fares are fully inclusive of taxes and surcharges, and are on sale until 31 August 2009.

For full details on the schedules for the new routes, log on to www.vaustralia.com.au.