Australia has made a significant contribution to Virgin Atlantic’s return to profit.
On the airline’s route between London and Sydney (via Hong Kong) there was an improvement in revenue of 13 percent including a 22 percent growth in sales generated in Australia.
Demand on the route is also rising with load factors now at 80 percent.
Despite the (UK) winter closure of London Heathrow and the ash cloud crisis costing the Virgin Atlantic business a combined £40 million, strong growth in business traffic and solid load factors across all cabins delivered a good recovery.


Steve Ridgway, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said, “We have demonstrated the resilience of our business by weathering the toughest economic period for aviation and have now returned the business to profit. 

“Since the turn of the year, market conditions have become tougher with increased capacity, faltering consumer confidence and high fuel prices.
“Whilst business traffic remains strong, demand in the economy cabin is more challenged.â€
Virgin Atlantic made a 2010-2011 pre-tax operating profit of £18.5 million. Revenues increased by 13 percent to £2.7 billion.
