Some £20 billion worth of trade is moved between the UK and India each year and Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s new trade route between Manchester and Delhi is sure to capture a big share of this value. These additions are part of Virgin’s “growing commitment to the Indian market,” says the airline.

From 26October, the airline will operate three A330-200 flights every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. This is in addition to the more frequent flights to Mumbai from Heathrow which commence daily and will be increased to double daily on 29 March. Over 100 million kilogrammes of imports and exports are moved between the UK and India by air each year, mostly consisting of vegetables, fresh fruit, spices and apparel.

Dominic Kennedy, managing director of Virgin Atlantic Cargo, said: “Business opportunities between the UK and India have never been greater. India is now the world’s fifth largest economy and the UK is one of its biggest and fastest-growing trading partners for products such as technology and automotive components, pharmaceuticals and fresh produce as well as other general cargoes. The launch of direct flights to India from Manchester this October will give exporters and importers more choice in addition to the three times daily services we will be operating ex Heathrow, offering exciting new growth opportunities for us and our customers.”