“Virgin Atlantic Cargo Soars Through Challenges, Eyes Future Opportunities”

Virgin Atlantic Cargo quickly adapted to the challenges of freight-only flying last year. Dominic Kennedy, the managing director, shares his insights with Damian Brett about the hurdles faced and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Kennedy, who studied geography in university, found his passion for aviation through a family member who was a pilot. Joining Virgin Atlantic in 2005, he transitioned to the cargo division in 2008 to establish a central pricing function. Over the years, he climbed the ranks to reach the position of managing director in 2017.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the cargo team at Virgin Atlantic had to find a way to keep services running despite the massive cuts to passenger flights. Initially accounting for only 10% of the airline’s turnover, the cargo division quickly pivoted to meet the demand for cargo-only flights.

Focusing on established trade lanes like New York JFK and Los Angeles, the carrier also seized new opportunities such as flights to Chicago and Harstad/Narvik Airport for Norwegian seafood. The surge in demand for PPE from China led to the operation of numerous charters, up to 17 flights a week.

Virgin Atlantic’s fleet of A350-1000s and B787-900s proved to be well-suited for cargo-only operations, allowing for efficient loading and transportation of goods. The team worked closely with partners like dnata, WFS, Hactl, and Pactl to ensure smooth operations, even coming up with innovative solutions like using catering carts to unload cargo from the cabin.

Despite the challenges faced by the airline industry as a whole, Virgin Atlantic Cargo saw record revenues last year, driven by increased rates. Looking ahead, the team is focused on expanding its cargo operations and preparing for the potential role in transporting Covid-19 vaccines through their newly launched Pharma Secure service.

While the road ahead may still be uncertain, Kennedy remains optimistic about the future of the cargo division at Virgin Atlantic, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and collaboration in navigating the ever-changing landscape of the air cargo industry.