Virgin Atlantic will relaunch London Heathrow – Mumbai flights, with the Boeing 787-9 service providing up to 26 tonnes of cargo capacity.

The service, which fills the hole left by Jet Airways suspending operations, will commence on 27 October, complementing Virgin’s long-established route between London and Delhi.

The Mumbai flights will not only enhance links between India’s commercial centre and the UK capital but provide connections to the US via Heathrow.

Juha Jarvinen, executive vice president commercial at Virgin Atlantic says 2019 marks a significant period of growth, and the airline is delighted to return to Mumbai.

He says: “Until recently, we’ve been able to serve this important market through our partnership with Jet Airways, however, since Jet Airways has sadly suspended its operation, we now have an opportunity to provide alternative options for our customers and meet this demand.”

Dominic Kennedy, managing director of Virgin Atlantic Cargo says cargo revenue out of India grew 10% in 2018 supported by daily Delhi flights, and Mumbai was buoyant.

The market from Mumbai to the UK and US has increased by more than 50% in revenue, alongside 46% growth to India in the last four years.

He says: “When we resume Mumbai operations in October, we aim to win a strong share of this growing market, supported by our fast and easy connections over London to and from major cities across US and our enhanced capabilities for handling pharmaceuticals, one of the main types of shipments ex Mumbai.”