Virgin Atlantic looks to Mumbai amid rising demand

In a significant move to strengthen its position in the Indian market, Virgin Atlantic recently announced the expansion of its flight frequency between London Heathrow (LHR) and Mumbai (BOM), increasing to two flights per day.

The additional daily flight reflects Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to the “huge opportunity” in India, which the airline considers one of its largest growth markets outside the United States, marking the airline’s fifth daily service to India – part of a broader effort to tap into high-growth areas and meet the demand for services in the region.

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“India has a fast-growing economy with significant demand for air cargo capacity, especially for goods bound for the UK and US markets,” a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told Air Cargo Week.

Capacity and connectivity

The additional flight will provide over 40 million kgs of cargo space annually to and from India, representing a 336 percent increase in capacity compared to 2019. This increase in capacity provides greater opportunities for Virgin Atlantic Cargo to meet demand across various sectors, including perishables, garments, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

A crucial advantage of the new schedule is the enhanced connectivity for the US from Heathrow, which is expected to make Virgin Atlantic more competitive in the air cargo market between the UK and India.

“This additional flight enables us to provide more options for onward connections, benefiting our customers and supporting the rapidly growing cargo demand,” the spokesperson explained.

Infrastructure and efficiency

With demand for passenger travel on the rise, the airline is mindful of balancing cargo and passenger requirements on the expanded route. In 2025, Virgin Atlantic is expected to offer over one million seats to India, alongside increased cargo capacity.

“Our approach ensures effective operation on a profitable network, providing seamless connectivity for both passengers and freight,” the spokesperson explained.

To accommodate the doubling of flight frequency, Virgin Atlantic has invested in training and operational improvements, ensuring its teams are fully equipped to handle the increased load. Enhanced processes and optimised connection times will help facilitate smooth onward transit for cargo shipments, allowing for efficient and reliable service delivery.
Virgin Atlantic has equipped its cargo operations with cutting-edge technology to handle specialized shipments, particularly pharmaceuticals and other sensitive goods. Utilising Envirotainer’s Releye® RLP and RAP containers for temperature-controlled shipments, Virgin Atlantic provides advanced live monitoring of temperature, humidity, and cargo condition. These containers, designed to maintain temperature stability for up to a week, are instrumental in supporting critical supply chains and high-value shipments.