All eyes were on Virgin Australia this morning at Sydney Airport, where the airline built upon its plan to expand into Greater China with the launch of its first services between Sydney and Hong Kong.
In true Virgin-style, the launch was a festive affair with the airline’s management team in attendance along with a couple of Chinese dragons, festive lanterns and Dannii Minogue.
The singer and television personality dressed the part in a red Cheongsam as she helped the carrier take off on this “important milestone”.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive and Managing Director, John Borghetti, described the new route as important for the carrier as China becomes one of 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.”
John Borghetti, Virgin Australia Chief Executive & Managing Director
“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.
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