Virgin Atlantic are challenging BA again with 24 new domestic flights from Heathrow beginning March 31. There will be six daily return flights to Edinburgh, three to Aberdeen and three to Manchester. Tickets from £99 return go on sale on December 19.
The new flights will give passengers easy connections to Virgin’s long-haul services to destinations such as Australia and Mumbai. Chief Executive, Steve Ridgway said: “This is the beginning of an exciting new era in Virgin Atlantic history. It’s been a long time coming but the dawn of our short haul service is now just a few months away. Passengers will reap the benefits of increased choice and lower fares due to the re-injection of vital competition we can provide on these routes.
“We’ll be offering nine daily services to and from Scotland and three return flights between Manchester and London, giving us the scope to fly around one million passengers per year. Connecting passengers onto our long haul flights means we are truly making the world a smaller place.”
Kevin Thom, President of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association said: “This is excellent news for both business and leisure air travellers in Scotland, whether they are flying to London or onbound to destinations worldwide. It is also great news for Scotland’s economy, and it will help expand the market – which will be positive for all airlines serving Scotland’s travellers.”
The airline will offer food and snacks on board, including a hot breakfast on early morning flights. Flying Club Gold card holders and Upper Class passengers connecting onto Upper Class long haul flights with Virgin will have access to airport lounges and limo transfers.
