Virgin Australia Launches First Flight From Sydney To Hong Kong, Expands Greater China Presence

Virgin Australia today launched its inaugural flight between Sydney and Hong Kong, further expanding the airline’s international network and Greater China presence.
Virgin Australia Group CEO and Managing Director, John Borghetti A.O. said: “Today marks an important milestone for Virgin Australia as we launch our second route to Hong Kong, from Sydney.”

“Hong Kong is an important gateway to China, which is Australia’s most valuable and largest inbound tourism market. Through our Hong Kong services and world-class alliance partners, we’re able to capitalise on this growth, which has positive flow on effects to our domestic network and the Australian economy.

“Guests can now travel beyond Hong Kong to 17 destinations within China with Hong Kong Airlines and Hainan Airlines or to London via our codeshare partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways.

“Virgin Australia is proud to bring more competition, value and choice to Australians with our new Sydney to Hong Kong daily service.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, The Hon. Michael McCormack congratulated Virgin Australia on its inaugural Sydney to Hong Kong service.

Mr McCormack said Virgin Australia launched its first direct service between Australia and Hong Kong out of Melbourne 12 months ago and today’s announcement improved competition for flight services into the important and growing market.

He said the new route represented a positive outcome for leisure opportunities such as visiting Disneyland or business travel such as to pursue trade between the two destinations, which is also expanding.

“Virgin Australia’s new service will provide even more choice for people travelling between Australia and Hong Kong, whether it be for business or pleasure, as well as to destinations beyond Hong Kong on Virgin Australia’s partner airlines,” he said.

Hong Kong Tourism Board Regional Director Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, Andrew Clark said: “Virgin Australia’s increased capacity from Australia demonstrates the strength and appeal of their operations to the Asia region, and will no doubt connect more Australian visitors to Hong Kong and beyond.”

Sydney Airport’s CEO, Geoff Culbert said: “The new Virgin Australia service is a fantastic example of Sydney's growing links with Greater China. Last year we saw Hong Kong visitors increase by 17 percent. This additional service is also great news for all the Aussies who love to travel, making the whole Asian region more accessible.”