Virgin Atlantic Airways launches smoother connections to USA

Andrew Fyfe, Regional Manager for Middle East and Indian Sub Continent said "Our new departure time of 8.20am from Dubai means passengers can now connect seamlessly to more than half of the destinations in the USA served by Virgin Atlantic. On their return, all flights from the USA connect with our services from London Heathrow to Dubai, some providing enough time for a quick down Oxford Street!"

Dubai is the first Middle East destination for Virgin Atlantic which launched its services on 27 March 2006 from London Heathrow. Commenting on the past 4 months of operation in the UAE Fyfe said, "We have had an excellent start and have been very encouraged by the welcome we have received. Passengers who have experienced their first Virgin Atlantic flight have commented positively especially those who have trialed our unique Upper Class Suite, which offers the biggest bed in the business, chauffeur driven transfers, in-flight beauty therapy, on-board juice bar, exceptional in flight entertainment facilities and a drive-thru check-in at London Heathrow."

Virgin Atlantic recently opened its new Clubhouse at London Heathrow, the flagship for the Clubhouse product. The Clubhouse boasts many attractions such as the Bumble and Bumble salon, Cowshed spa, Poolside Lounge, The Den, The Deli and Brassiere and much more. With its chic interiors and stylish features it lends the feel of a private members club.

Virgin Atlantic has introduced an introductory offer for passengers who join its frequent flyer programme, Flying Club. Fyfe added, "Not only can our customers experience our onboard benefits, they can now earn 2000 bonus flying club miles if they register on-line before 31 July 2006" The award winning Flying Club is one of the most generous frequent flyer programmes around, with 10,000 miles members can upgrade from economy to premium economy or 30,000 miles to Upper Class. In addition members can earn and spend miles with hotels, car rentals, partner airlines and American Express.

On 3rd June, Virgin Atlantic welcomed its sister airline, Virgin Nigeria to Dubai. Flying three times a week non-stop to Lagos from Dubai, this is the 3rd long haul route introduced by the airline since it started in 2004. Conrad Clifford, CEO of Virgin Nigeria accompanied a delegation of 55 VIP's on the inaugural flight and commented,

"We are delighted to show our commitment to rapid growth by adding Middle East to our route network with flights to Dubai and increasing our services to London. Dubai is a very popular business destination but has also become notably more visited by leisure travelers in recent few years who are attracted by the fantastic climate and the exceptional quality of the hotels and other amenities."

Virgin Nigeria, the fully private sector flag carrier from Nigeria also offers West African and African connections to Accra, Abuja, Dakar, Douala, Port Harcourt, Kano and Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic last week announced that a large increase in the number of business travelers helped to boost profits and achieve record sales in the last financial year.

During the year 2005/06, which ended 28 February 2006, Virgin Atlantic recorded revenues of £1.91 billion, up 17% on the previous year (£1.63 billion). Pre-tax, pre-exceptional profits for Virgin Atlantic Limited, which includes the scheduled airlines Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Nigeria Airways as well as the tour operator Virgin Holidays, more than doubled from £20.1million to £41.6million.

Launching it's 27th destination, Virgin Atlantic began flying to Montego Bay, Jamaica from London on July 3rd 2006 and will be adding a sixth daily service between London and New York from July 1st. The airline will also be starting a second daily service between London and Hong Kong, initially 4 times a week from November 2006, and then daily from February 2007.

Virgin Atlantic also announced it will be flying to Mauritius from London in late 2007, as part of its strategy for expanding the leisure market to the Indian Ocean geographical area.