Like all airlines, rebuilding their network is key to their growth. Virgin Atlantic is planning its return to another South African destination – Cape Town.
Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 on final approach to London Heathrow – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
The service will be relaunched on the 5th of November, operating daily between London Heathrow and Cape Town.
The planned operation is as follows:
VS478 DEPART LHR 16:20 ARRIVE CPT 06:00+1 VS479 DEPART CPT 07:50 ARRIVE LHR 17:45
Commences 5th November 2022 to 24th March 2023 Operates Daily Booked Equipment: Three-Class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
The route will utilise a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring Upper Class, Premium Economy and the variances of Economy Class that Virgin Atlantic offers.
The new winter service runs until 24th March 2023 and will complement the existing year-round daily service to Johannesburg.
Lead-in prices vary in class. The following have been quoted based on a return fare:
- Economy fares start from £711 per person
- Premium from £1318 per person
- Upper Class from £3454 per person.
In Quotes
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic commented:
“We’re incredibly excited to return to the fabulous city of Cape Town with daily services from November.
“Although a little later than we we’d have liked due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the move reflects the fact that travel is recovering and global demand for holidays to sunny, premium destinations is returning at pace.
“We’re expecting a high proportion of leisure travellers on this route who will rightly be taking advantage of the winter sun, exploring the world-renowned wine regions and soaking up the rich culture this incredible country has to offer.”
Rebuilding appropriately
It’s interesting to note the approach this time – it is a cautious expansion with a seasonal service, rather than a full resumption of a year-round service.
It allows the airline to measure what interest there is beyond just the launch, as well as provide the extra connectivity.
Virgin Atlantic will compete with British Airways on the route – rejoining the battle for passengers.
And for those passengers who need to fly on a direct flight – it will be a boon to them.
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