Pacific Blue's first flight from Sydney to Wgtn today

There will be a party atmosphere at Wellington Airport this afternoon as Pacific Blue celebrates the launch of its new Wellington to Sydney service.

The airline's first flight into Wellington is scheduled to arrive at 2pm.

Pacific Blue spokeswoman Jo Wedlock says in future the plane will turn around quickly and leave for Sydney at 2.30pm, but things will be different this afternoon.

She says there is a range of activities planned to mark the occasion, including performances by some of those in the Capital for the Arts Festival.

Pacific Blue already operates flights to Australia from Christchurch. It has also announced plans for direct flights starting in September between Australia and Vanuatu, subject to regulatory approvals, and between Australia and Fiji.

- Newstalk ZB