Virgin Australia to connect Melbourne with Hong Kong

Virgin Australia has confirmed that its previously announced new route connecting Hong Kong with Australia will fly from Melbourne.

The new direct route – the airline’s first to Hong Kong – is part of a wider alliance agreement between Virgin Australia and HNA Aviation, Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express, which received Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approval yesterday. Flights will go on sale following final regulatory approval from the ACCC and other relevant approvals.

The new route is the carrier’s first to Greater China and will commence on July 5 this year. Virgin Australia will operate the route five times weekly using a dual-aisle Airbus A330-200 aircraft featuring its “The Business” business class suite. Meanwhile, its 255 economy class seats will be set up in a 2-4-2 configuration.

“Virgin Australia’s entry into Hong Kong and Greater China is a key pillar of our international strategy, allowing us to tap into Australia’s fastest-growing and most valuable inbound travel market,” said John Borghetti, Virgin Australia Group CEO.

“Melbourne is an international city in its own right and hosts some of Australia’s biggest and most spectacular events. We look forward to showcasing this great city to inbound visitors from Hong Kong and beyond.”

The Virgin Australia flights will connect with a further 13 destinations in mainland China, while travellers in China on board Hainan Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Capital Airlines and Tianjin Airlines will be able to connect onto Virgin Australia’s domestic and trans-Tasman network.

Along with Velocity frequent flyer members being able to accrue Velocity Points and Status Credits on the route, reciprocal frequent flyer benefits and lounge access are also set to be introduced, with details due to be announced in the near future. Codeshare agreements on the route are also to be confirmed.

Details of the new route are as follows (all times local):

virginaustralia.com