Virgin Atlantic announce new London Heathrow to São Paulo route

It seems Virgin Atlantic are once again embracing “Atlantic” in their name, with the launch of a new route between London Heathrow and São Paulo

Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 landing at London Heathrow  – Image, Economy Class and Beyond

This will be Virgin Atlantic’s first adventure to South America.

They plan to use a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on this service, configured with Upper Class (Business) Premium Economy and its subset of Economy Cabins (Economy Delight, Classic and Light).

Planned operation is 11 hours and 55 minutes.

So why São Paulo? according to Virgin Atlantic, the wish to offer connectivity to the economy, with all year demand. Added to it being one of the largest cities in the Americas, hopefully attracting corporate customers as well as leisure customers (both the individual traveller and those travelling with Virgin Holidays)

With the passenger space comes the cargo space, which can be used to carry shipments of car parts, pharmaceuticals, food and agricultural products too

In quotes

Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic Executive Vice President – Commercial, commented:

“2019 marks the start of a new phase of growth for Virgin Atlantic as we work to become the most loved travel company. São Paulo represents an incredible opportunity for our business, and we’re very excited to be flying to a brand new continent for the first time. There are a significant number of corporate customers, and multi-national businesses, located in this Powerhouse of South America who can now enjoy the Virgin Atlantic experience on this busy international route.”

Marcelo Álvaro Antônio, Ministry of Tourism – Brazil, added:

“The increase of air connectivity is one of the priorities of the Government in order to make Brazil more competitive in the global tourism scenario. This new flight is a great achievement for our country.”

Taking a different route

Whilst its more transatlantic expansion, it’s in a direction that is welcome from the constant flow of North America routes.

Virgin Atlantic will compete with British Airways and LATAM Brasil on this route.

For those getting out their credit cards – hang on. The route will launch in 2020, with ticket sales going on sale “later this year” – so there’s plenty of time to see what Virgin Atlantic will do.

And how it can innovate this route.