Virgin Australia launched its inaugural flights into Hong Kong, marking the start of the airline’s expansion into Greater China as Sir Richard Branson zips in from Europe to join the party.
Virgin Australia has officially begun Melbourne-China flights with a special celebration at Melbourne International Airport this morning.
“I am so delighted to see Virgin Australia fly to Hong Kong for the first time,” Sir Richard said of Virgin’s venture into China flights from Down Under. “Both Melbourne and Hong Kong are such vibrant, fantastic cities and to be able to connect them with the world’s best Business Class and the best cabin crew is truly exciting.”
Branson, in true cheeky style, energetically added: “Until today, this route has been far too cosy with just two airlines flying it and it desperately needed Virgin competition, so we’re here today to shake things up on this route. I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time with the team at Virgin Australia this week and I truly believe they are the best in the business. Their passion for making this airline standout from the rest is contagious.”
Virgin to expand with more Greater China flights
Virgin Australia Group CEO and Managing Director John Borghetti said today’s inaugural flight marks the start of Virgin Australia’s expansion into Greater China.
“Hong Kong’s diverse cultural fabric has long been a draw card for many Australians, as has its appeal as a stepping stone into Greater China,” Mr Borghetti said. “Through Virgin Australia’s direct services to Hong Kong and our partnership with Hong Kong Airlines, Australians can enjoy convenient travel to Greater China.”
With the announcement of the Melbourne to Hong Kong flights a couple of months ago, Virgin Australia has also enjoyed more good news in recent times.
“Only last month Virgin Australia was awarded Best Airline and Best Airline Staff in our region and was the highest ranked Australian airline in the Skytrax World Top 100 list . We are delighted that residents in Greater China will be able to experience our world-class product and service when flying to Melbourne,” Mr Borghetti said.
Branson and co celebrate at Melbourne airport
Virgin Australia’s inaugural flight to Hong Kong departed Melbourne at 9.40am this morning, with much fanfare at Melbourne International Airport with Branson carrying the head of 32-metre local Bendigo dragon Yar Loong in a traditional procession with lion dancers and drummers to celebrate the milestone moment of China flights from Australia.
A number of VIP guests travelled on the inaugural flight and guests on board were treated to traditional egg tarts and Old Town Central walking guides at the boarding gate, Cantonese lessons conducted on board with Sir Richard Branson, fortune cookies, and a Hong Kong-inspired menu. Virgin Australia’s resident chef Luke Mangan was also on hand taking Business Class guests through the new menu which has been designed to highlight Hong Kong’s culinary delights, with dishes such as pork and shrimp wonton soup with bok choy and bamboo shoots.
Five services per week & inflight Duty Free
The inaugural flight also marked the launch of Virgin Australia’s inflight Duty Free. Virgin Australia has partnered with over 100 exciting and popular Australian and international brands which guests can now purchase on board on flights between Melbourne and Hong Kong.
Business Class guests as well as eligible members of Velocity Frequent Flyer are granted entry into the Etihad First & Business Class Lounge in Melbourne prior to departure of Virgin Australia’s flights to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, eligible guests may enter Hong Kong Airline’s Club Bauhinia Lounge located in Terminal 1.
Virgin Australia will operate five services per week between Melbourne and Hong Kong, utilising the Airbus A330-200 fleet which features the award-winning Business Class suites, ‘The Business’, which were recently recognised as the world’s best Business Class by Airline Ratings , as well as 255 economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration.
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