By Andrea Hayward
Budget airline Virgin Blue will begin flying to Christmas Island three times a week from April after landing a federal government contract to operate the service.
The airline said the service would start on April 1 this year and include flights from Perth to the Cocos Keeling Islands and between both islands from April 3.
Flights will carry up to 104 passengers and have the capacity to upload more freight and reduce the flying time to and from the mainland, Virgin Blue Airlines chief executive Brett Godfrey said.
Mr Godfrey said the Christmas and Cocos Islands were two of the best, unspoilt and truly unique island holiday destinations in the region.
"As with other markets we've entered, 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," he said in a statement.
Christmas Island, renowned for its red crab migration, is home to 35 endemic species of wildlife and a breeding station for more than 80,000 tropical sea birds.
But tourism operators on the island have complained of being hamstrung by the lack of competition in air services.
Locals also complain about the pressure on food prices and accommodation because of the number of people on the island servicing the island's detention centre.
The Cocos Islands is made up of two flat, low lying atolls and 27 coral islands.
Flights will be available from Perth from $464 each way.
Historically the cost of flying to Christmas and the Cocos Islands has been on par with a trip to Europe.
Both islands are Australian territories administered by the federal government but are closer in proximity to Jakarta than any Australian city.