Tag Archives: Virgin Atlantic Airways

Virgin Atlantic’s first Airbus A330neo is named “Billie Holiday”

Virgin Atlantic Airways has released photos of its first Airbus A330neo names “Billie Holiday”.

The pictured A330-941 will be delivered as G-VJAZ (msn 2018).

The airline has 14 copies on order.

The airline describes its new addition:

The A330neo is the latest addition to our aircraft family. Its slender 64 metre wingspan is nearly 4 metres more than our A330-300 and helps make it one of the most efficient aircraft in the sky and able to fly further and faster.

Innovative cabins

You’ll enjoy more ways to stay connected than ever before, with Bluetooth enabled entertainment systems, our fastest ever Wi-Fi, a greater number of USB connections and wireless charging in Premium and Upper Class.

The Retreat Suite

At the front of the Upper Class cabin you’ll find two of our most spacious suites yet. Each Retreat Suite boasts an ottoman that doubles up as an extra seat so up to four people can enjoy an intimate dinner together in their own private social space, or settle in comfort to watch a film on the 27″ touchscreen.

Virgin Atlantic aircraft photo gallery:

 

Virgin Atlantic and IndiGo announce a new codeshare agreement

Virgin Atlantic and IndiGo have announced a new codeshare between the UK and India, offering seamless connections and increased opportunities for frequent flyers to earn more points than ever before.

The codeshare partnership will mean customers booking a Virgin Atlantic ticket will be able to fly on the airline’s London Heathrow to Delhi and Mumbai flights and connect to and from 7 additional cities in India. Later this year the agreement will be expanded to cover a total of 16 destinations throughout India, as well as connections onto Virgin Atlantic’s extensive US network operated via London Heathrow.

 

The agreement will allow Virgin Atlantic to sell seats to passengers connecting onto IndiGo flights. The initial codeshare destinations in India include Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, Delhi and Mumbai. The additional destinations will include Kochi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Pune, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Vadodara, Indore and Visakhapatnam.

The new codeshare agreement will allow Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club members to reach their rewards faster, with opportunities to earn both Virgin Points and Tier Points available on every codeshare with IndiGo.

The codeshare flights will be available this week for booking for travel beyond 27th September, subject to government approval.

 

Codeshare destinations

Domestic destinations in India

Phase one Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, Delhi, Mumbai
Phase two Kochi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Pune, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Vadodara, Indore and Vishakhapatnam. Connect on IndiGo to and from London Heathrow via Delhi / Mumbai

Virgin Atlantic aircraft photo gallery:

 

Kenya Airways and Virgin Atlantic sign an interline agreement

Kenya Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways have signed an interline agreement:

Kenya Airways (KQ), and Virgin Atlantic (VS) announced an interline agreement that will provide greater convenience to customers.

Under the interline agreement, Kenya Airways will extend its reach in the US, the Caribbean, and Israel via London. Kenya Airways customers flying to London will be able to connect with Virgin Atlantic-operated flights to Boston, Washington, Atlanta, Austin, Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Antigua, Barbados, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Grenada, and Tel Aviv among others.

The agreement further enables Virgin Atlantic passengers to book a through ticket to Nairobi and enjoy seamless connections to Kenya Airways destinations across Africa including Tanzania, Uganda, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar among others.

Previously, Kenya Airways (KQ) and South African Airways (SAA) have signed a codeshare agreement that opens more destinations for seamless travel opportunities. As demand for air travel rebounds, the code-sharing agreement will see each airline sell, under its own code, flights operated by each other; South African Airways or Kenya Airways. SAA’s customers will continue to have the ability to earn Voyager Miles on these new codeshare flights. The deal enables travelers to combine flight segments and baggage on a single ticket.

Passengers travelling out of South Africa will have more options to travel to African destinations including Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Mombasa, and Kisumu while KQ passengers will have more choices for travel into Southern Africa including Cape Town, Durban, and Harare immediately. The growth of the partnership will see the addition of Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Douala, Lusaka Ghana and Nigeria subject to government approval as the airlines seek to offer more options for travelers within Africa.

Kenya Airways aircraft photo gallery:

Virgin Atlantic elevates customer experience revealing state of the art Airbus A330neo

Virgin Atlantic Airways has made this announcement:

  • The Airbus A330-900neo will feature the latest generation Upper Class cabin, including its iconic social space and new innovation, The Retreat Suite
  • Increased connectivity with in-seat wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity in all cabins and its fastest ever Wi-Fi
  • The new aircraft is crucial to the airline’s fleet transformation into the cleanest in the sky
  • Boston will be the A330neo’s first route.

Virgin Atlantic has revealed its hotly anticipated Airbus A330neo for the first time, designed to provide a premium, personalised experience for every single customer.  The airline’s Upper Class cabin boasts a brand new seat, evolution of its iconic social space and the unveiling of The Retreat Suite, the most spacious suite in Virgin Atlantic’s history.

Throughout the aircraft, there will be more ways for customers to stay connected than ever before. Those travelling in Premium and Upper Class can take advantage of game changing in-seat wireless charging, whilst customers in every cabin can enjoy a greater number of USB connections, Bluetooth enabled entertainment systems and the airline’s fastest ever Wi-Fi.

In 2019, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to announce a firm order for up to 16 Airbus A330neos, reaffirming its commitment to flying the cleanest, greenest fleet in the sky.  Following a multi-billion-dollar investment in fleet transformation over the last decade, the airline operates a fleet with the average aircraft age of just under seven years and 68% next generation aircraft. This increases to 100% next generation by the beginning of 2027.  This means Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft are equipped with the most efficient engines and state-of-the-art technology designed to save fuel and reduce emissions. This has so far delivered a 20 per cent reduction in fleet carbon emissions.  Over the next decade, we’ll save another 10 per cent in carbon emissions. The A330-900 neos are designed to be 11 per cent more fuel and carbon efficient than the A330-300 they’re directly replacing and will deliver a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour.

Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo is expected to take off to Boston on its first customer flight in early October. Tickets will go on sale later this month. From September 2022, the airline will take delivery of three aircraft, with the remaining deliveries following between 2023 and 2026.

Upper Class

The Retreat Suite is a brand new innovation in Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class offering and consists of two exclusive suites at the front of the cabin.  The airline’s most spacious suite yet, comprising a 6ft7” direct seat to fully flat bed and a 27” touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging. With each suite boasting an ottoman that doubles up as an extra seat, up to four people can comfortably dine, chat or play games in their own private social space.  Customers can enjoy an intimate dinner or settle in comfort to watch a film.

In addition to The Retreat Suite, the A330neo will offer 30 brand new Upper Class suites.  The fully forward-facing suite offers more space and storage alongside a fully closing privacy door. With a ‘do not disturb’ feature.  It has passenger-controlled mood lighting, 17.3” touchscreen TV and even a mirror so customers can check they’re looking runway ready.

The airline’s award-winning social space, The Loft, remains a focal point of the cabin design as customers board the aircraft and is a core part of the Upper Class experience. In an evolution of design from the Airbus A350, it consists of space for eight people, with four comfortable seats, allowing guests to sit and chat or enjoy refreshments from the new self-service fridge and drinks dispenser.  Customers can also connect Bluetooth headphones to the dual panoramic 27” touchscreens or utilise the wireless charging facilities for their devices.

Premium

Stylish touches make big differences in Premium, in a cabin consisting of 46 seats on the A330neo.  Virgin Atlantic’s trademark burgundy Premium seats, with a 38” pitch remain, but they’re accompanied by calf rests in every seat and a 13.3” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio.  The airline is also offering its Premium customers an in-seat wireless charging pad.

Economy

Comfort and connection are order of the day in the new Economy cabin, as customers are set to experience the largest ever economy screen at 13.3”, with an intuitive touchscreen and Bluetooth audio to connect headphones, with customers able to use their phone as a controller.  There’s also plenty of storage, plus AC power and USB ports to keep gadgets energised.  Customers have the choice between 28 Economy Delight seats, which offer an increased 34” seat pitch, or 156 Economy Classic seats, providing a 31” pitch.

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented;

“When it comes to innovating for our customers, we never stand still.  Our desire to create memorable experiences means we’ll continue to imagine with fresh ideas. We care about every detail of the cabin design and every step of our customer’s journey. We’re proud to unveil our state of the art A330neo and show the evolution of our customer experience, with each of our customers receiving a premium experience regardless of the cabin they travel in. They’ll be better connected with their fellow travellers and our amazing crew in the air, and with their friends and family on the ground.

“The A330neo plays a significant role in our multi billion dollar fleet transformation, demonstrating our commitment to the planet. We know the most impactful thing we can do as an airline is to fly the cleanest, greenest, youngest fleet possible and the A330neo is integral to achieving this goal. It’s truly a plane for the future.”

Virgin Atlantic in-house Design team worked in collaboration with Factorydesign to develop the Retreat Suite, Upper Class Suite and The Loft.

Virgin Atlantic aircarft photo gallery:

Virgin Atlantic postpones its return to Havana, Cuba, retires last A330-200

Virgin Atlantic Airways has reversed course and will not return to Havana, Cuba this year.

The airline had planned to resume thrice-weekly service from London Heathrow to Havana on November 1, 2022.

This will not be delayed for at least a year.

Virgin Atlantic last operated to HAV on March 23, 2020 and suspended flights due to COVID-19.

In other news, the airline retired its Airbus A330-200 G-VLNW on May 12, 2022, the last A330-200 in the fleet. The aircraft was ferried to Tarbes/Lourdes (LDE) on May 12 for storage.

Virgin Atlantic aircraft photo gallery:

 

 

Virgin Atlantic to return to Cape Town with daily services

Virgin Atlantic Airways returns to Cape Town with daily services:

  • Virgin Atlantic’s much anticipated service to Cape Town launches on November 5, 2022
  •  The daily service operates on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft
  •  Prices start from £711 per person

 

Virgin Atlantic is delighted to return to Cape Town from November 5, 2022 with a new daily service. A firm favorite with customers, the service will operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with fares starting from £711 economy return.

Route facts

Aircraft type Boeing 787-9 with 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.
Route frequency Daily.

 
Flight timings and flight number LHR – CPT – VS478 16:20 / 06:00 + 1

CPT – LHR – VS479 07:50 / 17:45

 
Date of restart 5th November 2022.

 
Fares Flights on sale now – return Economy fares start from £711 per person, Premium from £1318 per person and Upper Class from £3454 per person.

 

Virgin Australia aircraft photo gallery:

Virgin Atlantic announces partnership with LATAM Airlines (Brazil)

 

Virgin Atlantic has announced a new codeshare agreement with LATAM Airlines offering customers the opportunity to fly seamlessly to the South American country of Brazil.

Customers booking through Virgin Atlantic are now able to travel from Heathrow direct to São Paulo as well as connecting onwards onto 12 domestic airports in Brazil including Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Florianopolis. Customers traveling from São Paulo to London Heathrow will also have the option to smoothly connect onto Virgin Atlantic’s rest of world destinations through Terminal 3 including Tel Aviv, Delhi and Hong Kong.

Codeshare destinations:

São Paulo, Brazil Direct from London Heathrow on LATAM Airlines

 
Further domestic destinations in Brazil Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Porto Alegre (POA), Belo Horizonte (CNF), Brasilia (BSB), Curitiba (CWB), Goiania (GYN), Recife (REC), Salvador (SSA), Florianopolis (FLN), Fortaleza (FOR), Vitoria (VIX) and Londrina (LDB)

Connect via LATAM Airlines’ direct service to São Paolo from London Heathrow

 

Virgin Atlantic is coming to Austin, Texas

Virgin Atlantic Airways is launching new direct services to Austin, the capital of the Lonestar state of Texas and the airline’s first new route to the US since 2015.

The four times a week service will launch on May 25, 2022 and will operate on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.

As Virgin Atlantic recovers from the pandemic, the airline continues to work towards its vision of becoming the most loved travel company. With new Caribbean services to St Vincent and the Grenadines, Bahamas and St Lucia as well as new flying from Edinburgh to Barbados launching tin 2021, the airline is focussed on serving the destinations we know our customers love to visit. Later this year, Virgin Atlantic will be the first UK airline to receive the A330neo aircraft which not only boasts a step change to its Upper Class Suite and social space for customers but will help transform the fleet into one of the quietest and most fuel efficient in the sky.

easyJet and Virgin Atlantic launch worldwide partnership in Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast

easyJet and Virgin Atlantic have announced that through ‘Worldwide by easyJet’ customers flying with easyJet can connect to Virgin Atlantic flights at Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. The partnership will open up more connectivity to global destinations and provide customers across the US and Europe with even more choice to book a trip to look forward to.

Through the partnership, customers will now be able to connect seamlessly between easyJet and Virgin Atlantic flights across both airline’s extensive networks in Europe and North America. Connecting destinations include, Jersey to New York and Belfast to Barbados, with some connections available on a daily basis from next summer, such as Belfast to Orlando, all via either Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast.

Through technology partner Dohop’s innovative platform, customers can book Worldwide by easyJet connections and forward flights on easyJet.com/worldwide.

Manchester connections include:

Belfast to Barbados (based on departing on 18th December returning on 3rd January)

easyJet departs Belfast 08:10 arrive Manchester 09:15

Virgin Atlantic departs Manchester 11:45 arrive Barbados 16:55

Virgin Atlantic departs Barbados 19:45 arrive Manchester 08:15+1

easyJet departs Manchester 12:10 arrive Belfast 13:10

Belfast to Orlando (based on departing on 29th July and returning on 11th August)

easyJet departs Belfast 08:15 arrives Manchester 09:15

Virgin Atlantic departs Manchester 11:20 arrives Orlando 16:15

Virgin Atlantic departs Orlando 16:10 arrives Manchester 05:20+1

easyJet departs Manchester 08:40 arrives Belfast 09:40

Geneva to New York Return (based on departing on 19th December and returning on 27th December)

easyJet departs Geneva 09:50 arrives Manchester 10:45

Virgin Atlantic departs Manchester 13:55 arrives New York JFK 17:00

Virgin Atlantic departs New York JFK 20:00 arrives Manchester 07:45+1

easyJet departs Manchester 10:55 arrives Prague 13:45

Jersey to New York Return (based on departing on 7th July and returning on 17th July)

easyJet departs Jersey 09:20 arrives Manchester 10:40

Virgin Atlantic departs Manchester 13:05 arrives New York JFK 16:10

Virgin Atlantic departs New York JFK 18:40 arrives Manchester 06:25+1

easyJet departs Manchester 11:15 arrives Jersey 12:35

Malaga to Orlando return (based on departing on 5th August and returning on 21st August)

easyJet departs Malaga 06:40 arrives Manchester 08:45

Virgin Atlantic departs Manchester 11:20 arrives Orlando 16:15

Virgin Atlantic departs Orlando 18:15 arrives Manchester 07:25+1

easyJet departs Manchester 09:25 arrives Malaga 13:30

Edinburgh/Belfast connections

Birmingham to Orlando (based on departing on 25th June and returning on 10th July)

easyJet departs Birmingham at 07:50 arrives Manchester 09:05

Virgin Atlantic departs Edinburgh 11:20 for Orlando 16:15

Virgin Atlantic departs Orlando 18:45 arrives Manchester 07:30+1

easyJet departs Belfast at 09:30 arrives Birmingham 10:35

Worldwide by easyJet is the first global airline connections service by a European low fares airline. Worldwide by easyJet offers self-connections through a digital, virtual hub – simply and efficiently.

Worldwide launched in September 2017, enabling customers to connect easyJet flights through London Gatwick to long haul flights, and has been consistently growing, with more than 5,000 unique origins and destinations booked in combination with partner airlines.

Since then the airline has expanded the service to offer connections through many of Europe’s major airports across its short haul network including, Venice Marco Polo, Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles De Gaulle, Orly, and Edinburgh. meaning that by 2020, combined with the connections already announced through London Gatwick and Milan Malpensa, over half of the airline’s flights were able to connect to airline partner services and other easyJet flights in a single booking through easyJet’s digital booking portal.

In July, easyJet partnered with German train company, Deutsche Bahn meaning customers can now seamlessly connect to Deutsche Bahn trains, initially via Berlin, by combining flight and rail tickets all in one booking.  The partnership with Deutsche Bahn is the first time that a railway partner has become part of the Worldwide by easyJet platform.

Worldwide by easyJet does not impact easyJet’s punctuality, asset utilization, or operating model. The airline does not hold flights for connecting passengers. Worldwide by easyJet is subject to an average 2 hour and 30 minute ‘connection time,’ affording customers ample time to transfer between flights and terminals. Should a passenger miss a connecting flight, Worldwide by easyJet will transfer them to the next available flight.

Air Lease Corporation announces lease placement of two new Airbus A350-1000s with Virgin Atlantic

Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has announced long-term lease placements for two new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft with Virgin Atlantic.

The two new A350-1000s are scheduled to deliver to the airline in 2023 and 2024 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.