Sir Richard Branson at Melbourne Airport. Picture: AAP

And he even managed to roar at Qantas as he recalled how the national carrier was begging for up to $3 billion to bail it out and to boot out his company.

“We have had Qantas throw everything they can to try throw us off routes and drive us out of Australia,” Branson said.

“Virgin is here to stay and is a real formidable competitor to Qantas.”

Branson said Qantas started behaving “more sensibly” after the federal government knocked back its bid for a bailout.

Sir Richard Branson arrives at Tullamarine. Picture: Tony GoughSource:News Corp Australia

And sticks his head in a dragon’s mouth. Picture: Tony GoughSource:News Corp Australia

Branson says Virgin will give Qantas a run for its money. Picture: Tony GoughSource:News Corp Australia

Branson was in Melbourne to trumpet yet another win for the city over Sydney.

Virgin Airlines will fly from Melbourne to Hong Kong direct, beating the harbour city for the bid.

It is expected to start a fierce price war with Qantas and Cathay Pacific, which were the only carriers offering direct flights from Melbourne to Hong Kong — until now.

“Up until now, this route has been far too costly with just two airlines ... so we are happy to shake things up,” Branson said.

State tourism minister John Eren said the flights were a boon for the city and will see even more people leaving the “rat race that is NSW”.

He said Branson had the “crystal ball vision” that recognised Melbourne’s potential.

Originally published as Branson blasts Qantas at airport launch