Date set for start of Virgin Atlantic flights between England and Australia

Virgin Atlantic Airways is to launch daily scheduled services between Sydney and London via Hong Kong, commencing on Wednesday, 8 December.

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic said:

“I am delighted that Virgin Atlantic is now able to offer flights between Australia, Hong Kong and the UK – everyone at Virgin has long wished for us to operate to Australia and today’s announcement really is a dream come true. Australians have also been waiting for many years for the BA-Qantas duopoly to be broken and for new competition to be introduced.

“Today’s announcement is another major landmark in Virgin Atlantic’s development. Sydney is a prestigious route and will become our 23rd destination. Tomorrow is also the 20th anniversary of our very first flight from Gatwick to Newark in 1984. Australia is a country that everyone at Virgin has been hoping to fly to from since these early days and the news that our ambitions have become a reality will really add to our celebrations.

“I am grateful to the British and Hong Kong governments who have brokered this pro-competition deal that enables us to launch these new services. I’d also like to thank the Hon Joe Hockey, Australia’s Minister for Tourism, for all his help and support.

“Virgin Atlantic’s new services on the kangaroo route will be good news for consumers in Australia, Hong Kong and the UK, as it will mean that much needed competition and choice is brought to these markets. I am sure that Virgin Atlantic’s award winning service and innovative products will be well received both in the Australia-UK and Australia-Hong Kong markets.”

Australia’s Minister for Tourism, The Hon Joe Hockey, applauded the news that Virgin Atlantic would fly to Australia by the end of the year, and welcomed the extra seats and competition which the airline would bring to the UK – Hong Kong – Australia market.

“Today’s announcement by Virgin Atlantic Airways coincides perfectly with the launch by the Australian Government of the new Brand Australia campaign, which is designed to entice more visitors to experience the unique offerings of this country,” said the Minister. “There could not be a better time for such a high profile airline to commence services to Australia.”

Mackenzie Grant, Head of Asia Pacific for Virgin Atlantic Airways, said:

“I would like to thank all the government and airport agencies in Australia, Hong Kong and the UK who helped us fulfil our dream to operate to Australia and I am particularly pleased that we will be able to offer our award winning service on this route. Each flight to Australia will feature Virgin Atlantic’s new Upper Class suite which consists of a reclining leather seat for take off, a place to sit and eat a meal opposite your partner, the biggest fully flat bed in business class with a proper mattress for sleeping on, a private onboard bar to socialise and an inflight beauty treatment area. Also included in the price of a Virgin Upper Class ticket are chauffeur driven journeys to and from the airport at both ends of the route. The Airbus A340-600 aircraft which will be operating on this route also features our V:port inflight entertainment system which provides a choice of 50 movies plus 300 hours of video and audio entertainment on individual screens at every seat in all classes.”

Virgin Atlantic Airways Flight VS201 will depart Sydney at 1615, arriving at Hong Kong at 2205. After a stop of just 90 minutes, the aircraft will then depart Hong Kong at 2335, arriving at London Heathrow at 0450 the following day.

For travellers to Australia, flight VS200 will depart London’s Heathrow Airport daily at 2130 arriving in Hong Kong at 1750 the following day. The aircraft will then depart Hong Kong at 1920 arriving in Sydney at 0710 the following day.

All services will be operated by 306-seat Airbus A340-600 aircraft with a configuration of 45 Upper Class Suites, 28 Premium Economy and 233 Economy seats.

Details of Virgin Atlantic’s introductory promotional offers will be announced later this year, and tickets will go on sale for the new services at the same time.