This story originally appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.
Virgin Atlantic is adding its shortest route, but the flights will only haul freight. On Friday, the carrier announced service between London Heathrow and Brussels.
The airline confirmed the new route will not haul passengers; instead, it will be utilized solely for cargo. It plans to use a mix of Airbus A330-300s and A350-1000s on the route with capacity for up to 50 metric tons of freight per flight.
While the carrier regularly carries belly cargo on long-haul passenger flights, it hasn’t operated freight-only services since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During the winter period, we will operate services to Brussels, a destination we are familiar with, having flown there successfully during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Virgin Atlantic commercial chief Juha Jarvinen in a news release. “This new service will transport a range of goods including perishables and pharmaceuticals, offering fast connections for our customers between Brussels and the wider European region and Virgin Atlantic’s extensive route network via London Heathrow.”
The cargo flights will operate between Oct. 27, 2024, and March 29, 2025, the airline said.
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The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
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The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
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Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now