Virgin Australia has named Melbourne as its base to launch direct Hong Kong flights.
Melbourne to Hong Kong flights will start on July 5 once approvals are secured in what Virgin describes as a game changing move.
"Virgin Australia’s entry into Hong Kong and Greater China is a key pillar of our international strategy, allowing us to tap into Australia’s fastest growing and most valuable inbound travel market," said CEO John Borghetti.
It will operate five round trip flights per week and reservations open for the route on March 22.
Singapore Airlines currently offers Virgin Australia customers codeshare flights on the route and that agreement will remain in place.
Airbus A330 aircraft will be deployed on the route.
Cathay Pacific also serves the route and plans to add a second A350 service from Melbourne later this year.
China is the top international source market to Melbourne both in terms of visitor numbers and tourism spending.
