=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SF Gate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2003/09/16/f= inancial2218EDT0424.DTL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, September 16, 2003 (AP) Australian budget airline to expand into New Zealand (09-16) 19:18 PDT WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- Australian budget airline Virgin Blue will begin flights between New Zealand and Australia early next year and also launch domestic services in New Zealand, the carrier announced Wednesday. Flying under the name Pacific Blue Airlines, it will start with service between Christchurch on South Island and the Australian east coast city of Brisbane on Feb. 1, chief executive Brett Godfrey said in a statement. The announcement came just 24 hours after Australian carrier Qantas launched a discount war with Air New Zealand, cutting its fares between the two countries to match those of the New Zealand airline. The Qantas move came a week after Australia's competition watchdog rejected an alliance between the two carriers. Pacific Blue, which will be based in Christchurch, New Zealand, will expand services between New Zealand and other cities in Australia. Virgin Blue, the fastest-growing airline in Australia, is half-owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Airlines. It began service in Australia in August 2000. =20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2003 AP