Norfolk Air schedules more flights

A 38 per cent surge in arrivals from July to December 2006 has prompted Norfolk Island's home-based airline, Norfolk Air, to add extra peak time flights from Sydney and Brisbane each Friday.

From February 23, Sydney will get year-round flights each Friday to Australia's nearest overseas destination, with seasonal Friday flights to start from Brisbane when daylight saving ends on March 30.

The new Friday departures will supplement regular Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday services from both ports, opening the island up as a convenient and affordable short break option.

The new Friday services will leave Sydney International Airport at 10.10am and arrive on Norfolk Island at 2pm, in plenty of time to settle in for the weekend or longer break. Brisbane's Friday flights, which will operate for all but the winter months, will leave Brisbane International Airport at 4.45pm, arriving on the island at 8.10pm.

Norfolk Island Tourism General Manager Steve McInnes said the new Friday flights followed strong growth out of Australia during the last half of 2006.

"New market segments such as baby-boomers and families who are looking for something new and experiential are rapidly discovering Norfolk Island and this reflects in our growth," Mr McInnes said.

"Numbers were up 38 per cent over the previous July-December period, showing the high level of demand in Australia for Norfolk Island holidays and confirming the success of our new Qantas code-share arrangements."

Located 1600km north-east of Sydney and an external territory of Australia, Norfolk is home to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers and boasts its own language, a colourful convict history, dramatic coastal scenery, pristine beaches, coral lagoons, 35 great restaurants and cafes, one of the world's most scenic golf courses and exciting adventure activities such as kayaking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

To book see your nearest travel agent or visit www.norfolkair.com or www.qantas.com. For general information on Norfolk Island visit www.norfolkisland.nf or call toll-free 1800 214 603 for a free information pack.

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