INTERNATIONAL Airlines Group cargo division IAG Cargo has restarted its London Heathrow to Sydney route for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The route will commence from 27 March and will be operated by a British Airways B787-9 on a daily rotation. The route will travel via Singapore.
IAG Cargo regional commercial manager for Asia Pacific and Middle East Rob Wiemerink said: “We are delighted to see Australia reopen its borders to travellers and in doing so, the re-establishment of an important trade link between Australia, the UK and the rest of the world”.
“It’s fantastic to once again serve customers in this market. The return of these flights will be especially welcomed by exporters and importers in the region.”
IAG Cargo was created in April 2011 with the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo. The business subsequently integrated several additional airlines into the business.
In 2021, IAG cargo had a commercial revenue of €1.7 billion ($2.5 billion). IAG Cargo’s parent company is the third-largest group in Europe and the sixth-largest in the world based on revenue.
Trade between Australia and the UK got a significant boost late last year, when the two countries signed a significant free-trade agreement. At the time, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it would be the most comprehensive deal signed by Australia, save for its FTA with New Zealand.
The trade deal includes the immediate elimination of tariffs on more than 99% of Australian goods exports to the UK, valued at around $.9.2 billion.
