Virgin Atlantic is expanding their Caribbean offer with new service between Manchester and Montego Bay, as well as between Edinburgh and Barbados. The carrier will also offer three weekly flights between London Heathrow and St. Lucia from December 18, 2021.
Today (August 11, 2021), in a series of announcements, Virgin Atlantic announced an expansion of their Caribbean network with new service from Manchester to Montego Bay, Jamaica, as well as between Edinburgh and Barbados. From Manchester, the airline will offer three weekly flights to Montego Bay from November 6, 2021, and will increase service to Barbados to five weekly flights. The carrier will also launch a new route between Edinburgh and Barbados from December 2021, offering Scotland’s only direct Caribbean service. The new and increased Barbados service complements 11 weekly flights to the popular Caribbean destination from London Heathrow, for a total capacity increase of 70 percent. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic will offer three weekly flights between London Heathrow and St. Lucia from December 18, 2021.
The airline resumed Manchester flying on August 7th with flights to Barbados and plans on restarting flights to Orlando, Atlanta, New York and Islamabad over the coming months.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer, Juha Jarvinen, said,
“We’re thrilled to announce that we have added Jamaica to our portfolio of destinations flying from Manchester, our home in the north, along with increasing frequency to Barbados. We are seeing a real demand from our customers in the northwest for luxury holidays in the sun as they are keen to escape on their next adventure after a challenging year. Both Jamaica and Barbados offer the ultimate getaway for those looking to enjoy island life, from hiking incredible waterfalls, surfing at white sand beaches, exploring distinct local caves, to swimming with sea turtles, the tropical island’s offer something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming customers heading off on holiday or travelling to visit their loved ones back onboard.”
The route between Manchester and Montego Bay will be serviced with an Airbus A330-300 featuring 31 Upper Class, 48 Premium and 185 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats. Tickets will be available for purchase starting August 18, 2021, with return Economy fares from £428 per person. Additionally, starting November 20, 2021, Virgin Atlantic will increase service from London Heathrow to Jamaica from three weekly flights up to daily service.
In a separate press release, the airline announced the launch of new flying from Edinburgh Airport, for the first time in the company’s history, with flights to Barbados and Orlando. Twice weekly flights to Barbados will commence on December 5, 2021, while two weekly Orlando flights will launch in April 2022. Both routes will be serviced with an Airbus A330, with return fares starting from as little as £419 per person.
Speaking on the launch of international service from Edinburgh Airport, Virgin Atlantic's Chief Commercial Officer, Juha Jarvinen, 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.”
Founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, Virgin Atlantic has brought innovation and the highest level of customer care to the airline industry. The carrier was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX in 2020 for the fourth consecutive year. Headquartered in London, Virgin Atlantic employs 5,900 team members worldwide. Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading network between the US and UK, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. By 2022, Virgin Atlantic will operate an efficient and simplified fleet of 37 twin-engine aircraft, delivering a 10 percent savings compared to the aircraft they replace.
Source: Virgin Atlantic
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