Virgin Atlantic boosts cargo capacity with new India routes, offering 43,000 tonnes and enhancing connectivity from key U.S. cities.
Virgin Atlantic is set to expand its services, announcing a second daily direct route from London Heathrow to Mumbai starting in October 2024. Additionally, the airline is launching direct flights to Bengaluru from key U.S. cities via London Heathrow. This expansion enables Virgin Atlantic to offer an extra 25,000 tonnes of cargo capacity, catering to industries such as fashion, pharmaceuticals, and tech. According to an official release, with five daily services, Virgin Atlantic Cargo will now provide a total of 43,000 tonnes of space available to and from India, marking a remarkable 336 percent increase in capacity compared to 2019.
The second daily Mumbai service, commencing on October 27, 2024, will operate using Virgin Atlantic’s advanced Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Notably, Virgin Atlantic has forged a strategic partnership with IndiGo, India’s leading airline, which extends access to 36 additional destinations.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Atlantic, expressed optimism about the opportunities in India, citing its dynamic economy and growing demand for international travel. He emphasised the airline’s commitment to India, celebrating 25 years of operations and the milestone of offering over one million seats to India via London Heathrow. Jarvinen highlighted the enhanced connectivity for U.S. customers from tech hubs like San Francisco and Seattle. The expansion underscores Virgin Atlantic’s dedication to providing seamless travel experiences throughout India and beyond, leveraging its modern fleet and personalised service.
In contrast, Virgin Atlantic reported a 48 percent decline in cargo revenue for 2023 compared to the previous year, citing challenges amid the global pandemic. Despite this, yields exceeded 2019 levels, demonstrating resilience in certain aspects of the business. The airline’s cargo operations benefit from partnerships, notably with Delta Air Lines, facilitating international connections through transit points in London Heathrow to North America. Virgin Group, led by Richard Branson, remains the majority shareholder with a 51 percent stake in the airline.
