Virgin Atlantic is all set to launch new routes across three continents, with brand new aircraft as the airline capitalises on sustained demand for international travel, with customers set to benefit from more than 250,000 total additional seats across Virgin Atlantic’s network, compared to 2019.
The first route will connect London Heathrow to São Paulo, Brazil with daily flights. The flights will commence from May 13 2024 on Boeing 787-9. São Paulo is a key hub in Brazil for Virgin Atlantic’s codeshare partner LATAM. The partnership provides customers with onward connections to 12 domestic airports in Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Florianopolis as well as offering earn and redemption options for Flying Club members.
The airline is also expanding its capacity to India by 250% with third destination in Bengaluru. Launching in Summer 2024, the addition of this new route means the airline will offer 500,000 seats (total) each year between the UK and India. Flights to Bengaluru will operate on Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from 31 March 2024.
The airline has launched its third route with the resumption of Dubai flights from October to March four times a week. The airline aims to target leisure customers, capturing increased demand for premium holidays in sunny destinations during the period.
Apart from passenger service, Virgin Atlantic will also offer 20 tonnes of cargo capacity on each flight for companies looking to export and import goods such as fresh produce and high-tech products between the Middle East and prime markets in the UK and US.
The news follows new route announcements to the Maldives and Turks and Caicos, as well as inter-island flying in the Caribbean, between Barbados and Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Manchester Airport will receive new flights, with the relaunch of seasonal summer services between Manchester and Las Vegas, three times a week.
Commenting on the launch of new routes, Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’re excited to announce a range of new routes across three continents, giving our customers the opportunity to fly in style with Virgin Atlantic. From our entrance into South America, to our expansion in India and the growth of our premium sun portfolio, there is something for all of our customers to experience.”