Pacific Blue plans to launch direct flight from Perth in Australia to the Thai beach resort island of Phuket from 14 November.

The airline, the international short-haul subsidiary of Australia's Virgin Blue, says that it will operate a Boeing 737-800 on the twice-weekly flights .

This is the Virgin Blue group's second international destination from Perth. Last year, it launched direct flights from Perth to Bali in Indonesia.

"We are excited to be bringing Phuket within easier reach for people in Western Australia," says Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey.

"As the only carrier operating non-stop return flights between Perth and Phuket, we are pleased to be making one of Thailand's holiday hot spots a convenient destination and affordable option for West Australian travellers."

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news