Australia's Virgin Blue plans to start non-stop services between Perth and Christmas and Cocos Islands from early April.

It will operate twice weekly between Perth and Christmas Island from 1 April, and weekly between Perth and Cocos Island from 3 April, says Virgin Blue.

A weekly service between the two islands will commence from 3 April as well, it adds.

Virgin Blue will operate Embraer E-190 aircraft on the new routes, says the carrier.

"We're confident our new services will further stimulate tourism to these most remarkable jewels in the Indian Ocean and also help to strengthen relations with the mainland," says Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news