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Melbourne-HK daily flights are 'timely boost' for a busy market, says Virgin

VIRGIN Atlantic Cargo has upgraded to a daily Melbourne-Hong Kong service by Virgin Australia, which it is says will provide a "timely boost" to meet growing demand for cargo capacity on the route.

Virgin Atlantic Cargo, which provides long-haul international cargo sales and management for Virgin Australia, said in a statement: "Volumes have been increasing steadily in both directions since Virgin Australia commenced five Airbus A330-200 flights a week in July.

"The extra capacity provided by the new daily service will support the peak perishables season ex Australia as well as thriving e-commerce and courier business from Hong Kong."

Virgin Atlantic Cargo has generated over 1,200 tonnes of freight and courier traffic since the route began. Other regular shipments have included garments, shoes, electronics goods, vitamins, milk powder and meat.

The appointment in August of Jarrod Paterson as account manager–Melbourne has also helped the airline develop other lines of business, such as shipments of fresh lobster, abalone and chilled salmon from Tasmania to Hong Kong, London's Air Cargo News reported.

Continued inward business investment in Melbourne is also expected to help sustain long-term cargo demand. Amazon is one of the latest global brands to announce fresh investment in the state of Victoria with its plans for a 24,000 square metre e-commerce fulfilment centre in Melbourne.

Virgin Atlantic's regional sales manager, Australia and New Zealand, Pip Palmer, said: "Our freight forwarder and courier customers are absolutely delighted that Virgin Australia is increasing its commitment to the Melbourne-Hong Kong route. Cargo volumes to and from Melbourne have exceeded our expectations so far.

"There are a series of positive business indicators that show not only a consistent level of demand from our current customers but also opportunities for new traffic like we have started to generate from Tasmania."