There's a celebration going on down under, as Virgin Australia 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.”
Virgin Australia Sydney to Hong Kong Schedule (effective 2 July)
| Route | Flight number | Dep / Arr | Days of the week |
| SYD-HKG | VA83 | 1000 / 1740 | Every day |
| HKG-SYD | VA82 | 1950 / 0710 (+1) | Every day |
Virgin Australia Melbourne to Hong Kong Schedule (effective 2 July)
| Route | Flight Number | Dep / Arr | Days of the week |
| MEL-HKG | VA69 | 0030 / 0810 | Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun |
| HKG-MEL | VA68 | 1810 / 0540 (+1) | Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun |
| HKG-MEL | VA68 | 1915 / 0645 (+1) | Mon |
Virgin Australia Melbourne to Hong Kong Schedule (effective 28 October)
| Route | Flight Number | Dep / Arr | Days of the week |
| MEL-HKG | VA69 | 1100/1740 | Every day |
| HKG-MEL | VA68 | 1950 / 0830 (+1) | Every day |
Elsewhere, Virgin Australia and Hainan Airlines begin codesharing on some services, here are the Virgin Australia services that Hainan will now codeshare with.
Hainan Airlines operated by Virgin Australia
Brisbane – Cairns
Melbourne – Adelaide
Melbourne – Hobart
Melbourne – Perth
Melbourne – Sydney
Sydney – Auckland
Sydney – Brisbane
Sydney – Gold coast
Plus, Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic have signed a new codeshare deal, which allows guests from the United Kingdom and Australia to travel effortlessly between the two countries on Virgin airlines, connecting via Hong Kong or Los Angeles.
Codeshare offering will include Virgin Australia’s Sydney-Hong Kong services that will commence operations on 2 July, in addition to the Melbourne-Hong Kong services already on offer.
New connections on Virgin Australia’s domestic network have also been added to the codeshare, including Adelaide-Sydney, Adelaide-Melbourne and Canberra-Melbourne.
Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic have today put flights on sale under their codeshare partnership, which will allow guests to travel effortlessly between Australia and the United Kingdom (UK).
This is exciting news for the airlines’ customers, as the codeshare will provide them with more flexibility when booking long-haul services between the two countries.
Key benefits under the codeshare include:
enabling guests to travel between Australia and London on Virgin flights, connecting through Los Angeles or Hong Kong;
providing guests travelling from the UK with options for convenient connections to eight cities on Virgin Australia’s domestic network; Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney;
expanding the customer offering to include new connections on Virgin Australia’s domestic network, being Adelaide-Sydney, Adelaide-Melbourne and Canberra-Melbourne;
allowing guests to organise all flights, including the connecting flights, under the one booking, with a single check-in and baggage drop;
allowing Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members to earn miles, and Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer members to earn Points and Status Credits when flying with either airline under the codeshare; and
providing eligible members of the Frequent Flyer Program with full access to Virgin Australia Lounges and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses.
