Virgin wins cargo contract for V Australia

VIRGIN Atlantic has been awarded the contract to manage the cargo product for Australia’s brand new long-haul airline, V Australia.

V Australia, the long-haul arm of the Australian domestic carrier, Virgin Blue, will start operating three times a week between Sydney and Los Angeles from 27 February, increasing to daily on 29 March, 2009.

In April, the airline will also start operating flights between Brisbane to Los Angeles. Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will operate the new services.

Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s existing US operation will look after the new services to Sydney from Los Angeles, a key airfreight gateway which Virgin have served for over 18 years.

John Lloyd, director of Virgin Atlantic Cargo, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the team at V Australia have awarded us this contract and have the confidence in us to deliver them a world class cargo product for their operation. This is an exciting opportunity, which links our existing networks into Australia and the US.”

“V Australia have awarded this important aspect of our business based on confidence in Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s proven track record,” said Scott Swift, executive general manager for V Australia. “We see potential to capture a significant share of trans-pacific cargo business both from niche markets and the convenience of a cargo service to/from the US entering our extended network across Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue,” he said.