Virgin Atlantic announced today the launch of exciting new routes across three continents, with brand-new aircraft. Network growth comes 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 airline’s international route network will be boosted by its first move into South America, with a brand-new daily flight from London Heathrow to São Paulo, Brazil, targeting both passenger and cargo routes. It will be codeshared with the airline’s airline, 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. Additionally, customers travelling from São Paulo to London Heathrow will have the option to connect to Virgin Atlantic’s rest of the world destinations through Terminal 3 – home of the airline’s award-winning Clubhouse – including Tel Aviv, Delhi and Shanghai.

São Paulo a popular cargo route. With multiple tonnes of capacity each day, Virgin Atlantic expects to carry regular shipments of car parts, pharmaceuticals, food and agricultural products, contributing to £7.7 billion** in annual trade between the two countries.

Flights from London Heathrow to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport will operate daily on the airline’s flagship Boeing 787-9, from 13 May 2024.  Flights are set to be on sale from August, with fares starting from £655.

Bengaluru

Bengaluru (Bangalore) will become the airline’s third destination and fourth daily service to India.  Since 2019, Virgin Atlantic has increased its capacity to India by 250%, the airline’s largest area of growth outside the United States.

The Bengarlur route will launch in the Summer of 2024, the addition of this new route means the airline will offer 500,000 seats (total) each year between the UK and India, while its growing codeshare with IndiGo, India’s leading airline, flies to 34 destinations across the country.

Bengaluru is a rapidly growing tech hub and one of the largest corporate markets in India, whilst intrepid travellers will enjoy the city’s rich culture and beautiful gardens. The new service will offer seamless connectivity and a premium long-haul experience for those customers connecting via London Heathrow to destinations throughout North America including Seattle, San Francisco and New York JFK, with Virgin Atlantic and transatlantic joint venture partner, Delta Air Lines.

Flights to Bengaluru will operate on Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from 31 March 2024, boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats, as well as the airline’s signature Upper Class social space.

We’ve covered the launch of the Dubai routes, along with the Manchester-Las Vegas and the fifth-freedom fights in the Caribbean. Our Virgin Atlantic winter coverage is here.

In Quotes

Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic, commented;

“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.

“By leveraging the power of our strategic partners, and welcoming our state of the art, brand new A350 and A339 aircraft, customers can rely on Virgin Atlantic to connect them to where they need to be, enjoying a premium customer experience, delivered by our amazing crew. Our plan is working, positioning us to return to profitability in 2024.”