Viva Macau, the new international low-fare airline for Macau and the Pearl River Delta has launched its first flight schedule. “Viva Macau is set to fly in December in a bid to bring residents of Macau, Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta to our exciting destinations at great value for money,” said Andrew Pyne the airline’s chief executive. “With this, we also bring quick and efficient access to the spirit of Macau, Asia’s vibrant entertainment capital.”

Viva Macau will fly to Maldives twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays beginning December 21, 2006. Viva Macau is the latest entrant in the fast-growing low-fare sector of the airline industry. Its core proposition is low-fare without compromising on service quality. Viva Macau operates Boeing wide-body 767 jets, which give it a 12-hour range and allow it to offer service as far as Australia, the Middle East and Europe.

“We are the only airline in Greater China that offers non-stop direct flights to the diving and beach destination Maldives. We are confident that this will become a popular destination choice for passengers who thrive on a truly exotic travel experience,” Pyne said.

“Viva Macau is building an exciting and sustainable network for Macau and the whole Pearl River Delta region,” Pyne said. “Travellers should keep a close eye on our next wave of exciting destinations in 2007.”

With Viva Macau’s start of operations, inbound traffic to Macau is expected to increase significantly. Of the top five growth markets, Thailand and Indonesia ranked 3rd and 5th respectively, according to a recent Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) report on Macau. Thailand has registered a 65.7% growth from January-October 2006, compared to the same period last year. Indonesia marked a 41.8% growth. Recent addition of world-class casinos, entertainment facilities and Macau’s rich cultural heritage have been attributed as all contributing to the boom.

Maldives, on the other hand, has been a favorite destination from China and the PRD. Since Maldives received Approved Destination Status (ADS) from China in December 2002 the island has received a robust increase in Chinese arrivals. According to a Maldives Tourism report, growth rates from this region have maintained double digits during the last five year period. In 2004, growth rate to Maldives was at 37 percent, placing the Chinese market second in Maldives’ top regional source markets.

“Our goal is to be a strong, solid partner in the tourism development of Macau and we will do this by continuously developing new routes and destinations that will complement the growth of our home base”, says Pyne.