Virgin Australia has entered an agreement with Launceston Airport to lease their new $4 million airfreight cargo facility for a ten year term once the facility is completed. The new facility will be operated by the carrier's long-term cargo partner, Aus Flight Handling.
On Thursday (February 9, 2023), Virgin Australian announced that they have entered an agreement with Launceston Airport (LST) to lease their new $4 million airfreight cargo facility for a term of 10 years once the facility is completed. The cargo hub will have the capacity to handle nearly half a million kilograms of premium Tasmanian exports annually. Construction on the new facility is expected to commence this month and is scheduled to be completed by September 2023. The upgraded 800-square-meter facility is strategically located at the heart of Tasmania’s primary northern aviation gateway operated by Virgin Australia Cargo through their long-time cargo partner, Aus Flight Handling.
In Friday’s announcement, Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley, said,
“We are delighted to partner with Launceston Airport to expand our cargo operations and welcome the support of the Tasmanian Government to develop a stronger trade industry in the state over the next decade. The upgraded facility is expected to see nearly half a million kilograms of premium Tasmanian exports, including its world-class seafood and agricultural products, through its doors and into domestic and international markets each year.
“We are also excited to be working with our long-term partner Aus Flight Handling to ramp up cargo efficiency from Northern Tasmania, unlocking economic benefits for the entire state.”
Also commenting on the signing of the long-term lease, Launceston Airport’s CEO, Shane O’Hare, said,
“As an island state, it’s critical that our producers can ship to customers. This new cargo facility will enhance Virgin Australia Cargo’s ability to export goods in a timely manner so that customers around Australia and the world can enjoy fresh Tasmanian seafood and produce on their own dinner tables. Virgin Australia Cargo is an important partner of ours. As well as delivering cargo, Virgin Australia has significantly invested in network growth over the past 18 months, including increasing flight frequency and starting new services to destinations such as Perth and Adelaide. All of this is good news for Northern Tasmanians.
“We are also grateful for the investment the Tasmanian Government is making in Northern Tasmania, which underpins its confidence in Launceston Airport as an important infrastructure hub that is supporting growth in our region.”
Founded in 2000 by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Australia operates an extensive domestic network as well as international short-haul, charter and cargo services, along with their award-winning loyalty program, Velocity Frequent Flyer. The Group employs over 6,000 team members and has been a competitor in the Australian aviation landscape for the last 22 years. Virgin Australia offers three seating choices including Business Class, Economy X (extra legroom) and Economy. Since November 2020, the carrier has been incrementally increasing their Boeing 737 fleet by nearly 60 percent, from 58 to 92 airplanes, including the addition of fuel-efficient 737-8 MAX aircraft. The company will also add an additional 10 aircraft in 2023.
Source: Virgin Australia