Virgin Blue Airlines has continued its earnest campaign to lure more business and Government Guests, with the opening of the airline's newest and fifth ‘The Lounge' at Canberra Airport.

It joins Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney as Virgin Blue ‘The Lounge' destinations and will provide travellers with a sleek, all-inclusive lounge facility when travelling with Virgin Blue from the nation's capital.

The new lounge is located in the Departure area next to Gate 5 at Canberra Airport with panoramic 270 degree views of the runway and surrounding countryside. Access is available to annual Members of The Lounge, Corporate Plus fare holders, and Velocity Gold Tier Members and their guest. Single visit entry is also available for Guests travelling with Virgin Blue for $30.

Virgin Blue will offer a range of benefits for members and Guests visiting the Canberra Lounge for business or pleasure including:

• Business facilities, including meeting rooms, state-of-the art personal computers in a dedicated and private workstation area, and complementary WiFi access throughout.
• Relaxing Lounge environment, with plenty of lounging space, integrated work areas and Foxtel TV.
• Australia's first airline lounge Barista service, providing great coffee all day, along with premium teas.
• Gourmet snacks and fresh menu items available throughout the day.
• A selection of beer and Australian wines available from 11am.
• Convenient check-in facilities are also available in The Lounge for Guests travelling without checked baggage.

Virgin Blue will continue to add innovative products and initiatives as part of its New World Carrier strategy which has seen the airline evolve from a Low Cost Carrier to an airline offering value-for-money premium products and service.

The airline has redeveloped the former Ansett lounge facility located airside which features generous floor space and can comfortably cater for more than 150 Guests at any one time, allowing for future growth in Virgin Blue flight frequency.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, "We have been very mindful of the feedback from our corporate and Government Guests in terms of their needs and a business lounge facility in Canberra was high on that list.

"We listened to that feedback, invested heavily in new infrastructure and are we are hopeful the opening of 'The Lounge' in Canberra will provide even more incentive for corporate Guests to choose Virgin Blue and save taxpayer and business dollars while getting all the benefits of a high quality, low cost carrier."

The launch of the new Canberra Lounge follows hot on the heels of the announcement of the introduction of Status Levels (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) to the Velocity Loyalty program to better recognise and reward our loyal Guests.

Virgin Blue also offers fully flexible fares, schedules tailored to suit business travellers and Blue Zone (extended leg room) seating as part of its business friendly strategy.