In a strategic move to enhance its presence in the Indian market, Virgin Atlantic has announced an increase in flight frequency between London Heathrow (LHR) and Mumbai (BOM) to two flights per day.
This additional daily flight underscores Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to capitalizing on the “huge opportunity” in India, a key growth market outside the United States. This marks the airline’s fifth daily service to India, part of a larger strategy to tap into high-growth regions and meet rising demand for air travel and cargo services.
“India boasts a fast-growing economy with a significant need for air cargo capacity, particularly for goods destined for the UK and US,” a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson stated to Air Cargo Week.
### Capacity and Connectivity
The new flight will add over 40 million kilograms of cargo space annually between India and the UK, representing a 336 percent increase in capacity compared to 2019. This expanded capacity will enable Virgin Atlantic Cargo to better serve various sectors, including perishables, garments, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
A key benefit of the new schedule is improved connectivity to the US from Heathrow, which will enhance Virgin Atlantic’s competitiveness in the air cargo market between the UK and India. “This additional flight allows us to offer more options for onward connections, meeting the rapidly growing cargo demand,” the spokesperson added.
### Infrastructure and Efficiency
With passenger travel demand on the rise, Virgin Atlantic is focused on balancing cargo and passenger needs on the expanded route. By 2025, the airline plans to provide over one million seats to India, along with increased cargo capacity.
“Our strategy ensures efficient operations within a profitable network, offering seamless connectivity for both passengers and freight,” the spokesperson explained.
To support the increased flight frequency, Virgin Atlantic has invested in training and operational enhancements to equip its teams for the added workload. Improved processes and optimized connection times will facilitate smooth transit for cargo shipments, ensuring reliable service delivery.
Additionally, Virgin Atlantic has upgraded its cargo operations with advanced technology to handle specialized shipments, particularly pharmaceuticals and sensitive goods. The airline utilizes Envirotainer’s Releye® RLP and RAP containers for temperature-controlled shipments, providing real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and cargo conditions. These containers are designed to maintain stable temperatures for up to a week, crucial for supporting critical supply chains and high-value shipments.