Virgin Atlantic is setting up a new home in Scotland, with the airline planning to start services from Edinburgh Airport.
Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330 arriving at London Heathrow -Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Initially, the airline will operate flights from Edinburgh to Barbados from this December 2021, with services to Orlando to commence from April 2022.
The planned Barbados operation will start on the 5th December 2021, utilising a three-class Airbus A330, with Upper Class, Premium and Economy Class.
Orlando will operate twice weekly too in April 2022, with the exact start date to be confirmed.
Lead-in Fares start at £419 per person from Edinburgh.
Meanwhile at Manchester and Heathrow…
Meanwhile, there is further expansion from London Heathrow to St Lucia, with the airline launching a new seasonal winter service operating three times a week starting from 18th December 2021.
This will use an A330-300 aircraft with 31 Upper Class, 48 Premium and 185 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats. Services will go on sale from 18th August 2021 with return Economy flights starting from £462 per person
Manchester isn’t being left out, with a service to three times a week seasonal winter services starting on 6th November to Montego Bay. Again, this will use an Airbus A330-300. Services will go on sale from 18th August 2021 with return Economy flights starting from £428 per person.
Remember the cargo
As well as offering capacity for its passengers, Virgin Atlantic will be able to offer cargo offerings on all these services – a chance for the Scottish companies to export and import as needed, with a shorter supply chain.
Cargo will still be an important thing as things continue to settle down.
In Quotes
On the Edinburgh route launches Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said;
“Commencing international flights from Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter for Virgin Atlantic and we couldn’t be happier to be flying from a new home in Scotland. I know our teams are itching to show Edinburgh the Virgin Atlantic spirit and flair we’re famous for.
“Our two new routes provide an array of holiday options to suit everyone. From family fun and the thrills of Orlando’s theme parks to the stunning beaches and chilled out vibes in Barbados, we’re confident there’s something to love for all of our Scottish customers.”
On the rest of the launches, he added
“The Caribbean is such an important destination for us and for our customers and we couldn’t be more excited to announce our new routes, as we continue to grow our ever-expanding portfolio.
“We know customers are keen to get away on their next adventure after a challenging year and these Caribbean destinations offer the perfect escape for those travellers looking to either simply relax or explore a new corner of the world.
“For customers based around the UK, we are also thrilled to be able to offer additional routes from both Edinburgh and Manchester. Commencing international flights from Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter and I know our teams can’t wait to show Edinburgh the famous Virgin Atlantic spirit and flair.”
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said:
“A premier city like Edinburgh deserves premier airlines and we are extremely excited to welcome our newest partner Virgin Atlantic to Scotland’s capital city.
“To be able to deliver flights to Barbados, Scotland’s only direct route to the Caribbean, and Orlando is a fantastic boost to us as we prepare for the post-Covid recovery, and it is a huge show of confidence in Edinburgh Airport’s ability to deliver for passengers across the country.
“We look forward to the new routes launching and watching passengers head off on the holiday of a lifetime from Edinburgh Airport with Virgin Atlantic.”
Minister for Transport Graeme Dey, said:
“I welcome this news of Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to Scotland, and the launch of their new service to Barbados from Edinburgh. It is encouraging to see airlines develop their connectivity to Scotland at this time and I am sure this news will be welcomed by passengers.”
Banking on a leisure-based recovery
With the planned launches of these routes, it’s clear that Virgin Atlantic is banking on leisure and family-based travel recovery, rather than other business travel from North America sources for now.
Whilst these are two or three times a week services, they will be delivering over 300 passengers at a time to these destinations – enough to start helping to fill hotels or catching up with loved ones that have been disconnected from.
And with long-distance business travel still being contained by some governments, turning to opportunities that allow for aircraft to fly and earn money are going to be where airlines will turn to.
As Virgin Atlantic has done and will continue to do over the winter season, as it delivers capacity to the Caribbean.
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