Virgin Australia will push further into the Asian market with flights to commence between Australia and Hong Kong – with onward connections to China – as part of a new alliance agreement with HNA Aviation, Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express.
The new flights are subject to government approvals, but are set to commence by mid-2017 with the carriers Airbus A330 aircraft, which features the airlines award-winning business class cabin, The Business.
Virgin Australia also plans to introduce direct flights between Australia and mainland China in further stages of the agreement.
Virgin Australia Group CEO John Borghetti said: “This new alliance will be a game changer for travel between Australia and China, providing significantly more competition and choice for travellers.
“We are excited about introducing direct Virgin Australia flights – and our famous customer service – to Hong Kong, together with access to destinations across China.
“The alliance will accelerate and support our access to the Chinese market, which is Australia’s fastest growing and most valuable inbound travel market.
“HNA Aviation fly nearly 100 million passengers each year and we look forward to working collaboratively with them to drive inbound visitation to Australia, resulting in significant benefits for the Australian tourism industry and broader economy.
“Importantly, this strategic alliance with HNA Aviation, Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express is a key plank in Virgin Australia’s International strategy and will help our business deliver long-term growth and success.”
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Codeshare services
In good news for frequent flyers searching for those valuable frequent flyer points and status credits, Virgin Australia will add their two-letter codeshare (VA) on services operated by Hong Kong Airlines, Hainan Airlines and other HNA Aviation airlines on journeys between Australia and mainland China, and between Australia and Hong Kong.
Customers of Beijing Capital Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and Tianjin Airlines will be able to book travel on Virgin Australia’s domestic and trans-Tasman network.
Loyalty program benefits
Velocity Frequent Flyer’s 7 million members will enjoy a frequent flyer partnership with Fortune Wings Club, including:
- The opportunity to earn Points and Status Credits on alliance routes; and
- Reciprocal access to tier status benefits including lounge access, priority check-in, priority boarding and additional baggage allowances.
Further details including departure ports, schedules and pricing, plus frequent flyer partnership information will be released in coming months.
