Virgin launches Melbourne-Hong Kong route

Set to commence in July, the new route operated by Virgin Australia will offer bellyhold capacity on five Airbus A330-200 flights a week between Asia and Australia.    Virgin Airlines is launching a new Melbourne-Hong Kong route this summer through its partner, Virgin Australia.
   The route, scheduled to commence July 5, will operate via five Airbus A330-200 flights a week, with each offering 14 metric tons of cargo capacity.
   Virgin Atlantic Cargo will also extend its original long-haul international sales contract with Virgin Australia to include its operations connecting Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne with Los Angeles in the U.S., the company said in a statement.
   In addition to general cargo, perishables will make up a sizable percentage of traffic out of Melbourne, while e-commerce shipments are expected to help boost volumes from Hong Kong, according to the airline.
   Virgin Australia in April launched five Boeing 777-300ER flights per week from Melbourne to Los Angeles.
   “We expect a good level of growth this year with the addition of our new routes from Melbourne to Los Angeles and Hong Kong,” said Virgin Australia Cargo Chief Executive Merren McArthur. “We have great confidence in Virgin Atlantic’s ability to maximize the potential of our growing long haul international network.”