Virgin Atlantic is restarting its much-anticipated flights to Shanghai, re-establishing essential business and leisure connections between the United Kingdom and China. The daily service resumed on May 1, 2023.
The move comes following a relaxation in travel restrictions between the two countries, which sees the borders reopening to foreign nationals for the first time since December 23, 2020. Shanghai is Virgin Atlantic’s final route to be re-instated following the global pandemic, having been impacted by suspensions and closures since February 1, 2020.
Virgin Atlantic’s Shanghai flights will continue to operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The return to China will complement the rest of Virgin Atlantic’s global route network which includes the USA & Caribbean, South Africa, Nigeria and India. The airline’s Tel Aviv service has doubled capacity this summer, operating a double daily service. New routes to the Maldives and Turks and Caicos will also commence later this year.
Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner G-VNYL (msn 37981) SEA (Bruce Drum). Image: 104713.
Virgin Atlantic is connecting New Yorkers like never before. To celebrate the arrival of its state of the art and most fuel-efficient aircraft – the A330neo – on its popular New York City to London route, for 24 hours only the airline will be launching a bright red hackney carriage. The taxi will bring to life touches of the airline’s renowned premium service, leading innovation and customer experience design and connected features. Here for a limited time, Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff” will roam the streets of NYC delivering passengers to their destinations within Manhattan.
The Virgin Atlantic “Taxi for Takeoff” features elements of the personalized service New Yorkers seek out from the airline. Its iconic cabin crew and a surprise guest or two, will greet passengers with a Ruby Slipper mocktail and afternoon tea, served on board in every cabin on daytime flights from London to the US. The Virgin Atlantic “Taxi for Takeoff” will feature wireless charging pads and a large seatback screen to enjoy “in flight” entertainment, in a nod to the amazing experience on board the A330neo.
Two round trip tickets from New York City to London will be up for grabs, along with an exclusive invitation to Virgin Atlantic’s ruby 40th birthday celebrations in 2024, for those who spot Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff.” Just snap a photo or video of the cab and tag @virginatlantic #TaxiForTakeoff on Instagram to enter.
When:
Beginning Monday April 3, 2023 at 9:00 am EDT Closes 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, April 4, 2023
How to Enter:
Snap a photo or video of Virgin Atlantic’s “Taxi for Takeoff” and tag @virginatlantic #TaxiForTakeoff on Instagram to enter.Winners will be selected on April 6, 2023. They will be contacted directly via Instagram.
Disclaimer:
This contest/giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Instagram. This giveaway is sponsored by @virginatlantic. The giveaway will run from 9:00 am EDT 04/03/23 until 11:59 pm EDT 04/04/23. Giveaway is open only to residents 18 years of age, or older where required, of the 50 United States and District of Columbia. The winner will be contacted via DM and must respond within 24 hours or prize will be re-allocated at random.
Virgin Atlantic offers six daily flights from JFK to London Heathrow, including one daytime flight. In partnership with Delta Air Lines, the joint venture partners operate nine flights daily from NYC to London.
More on the Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330neo:
In 2019, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to announce a firm order for up to 16 Airbus A330-900neos, reaffirming our commitment to flying the cleanest, greenest fleet in the sky.
From wingtip to tailfin, we’ve used inspiration and innovation to make this aircraft brilliant on every level. From a brand new social space and wireless charging, even more storage and stylish design touches, through to a huge 11% less fuel burn andcarbon emissions, it’s a game changer. Virgin Atlantic style.
A crucial step in our fleet transformation programme, the A330neo’s are designed to deliver a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour. We have one of the youngest fleets in the skies with an average age of just under seven years.
Introducing the A330neo
Our A330neo’s are exclusively powered by the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engine, drawing on more than 50 million flying hours of experience from the Trent 700, which powers the original version of the A330.
Customers will be able to enjoy all Virgin Atlantic cabins onboard; Upper Class, Premium and our three tiers of Economy; Delight, Classic and Light. Continuing the evolution of our award-winning customer proposition, we’re introducing a beautiful new addition to our Upper Class cabin, known as The Retreat Suite, alongside brand- new suites for the entire cabin and an enhanced social space in the form of The Loft.
Social space – The Loft
Our award-winning social space, the Loft, is an exclusive spot for our Upper Class customers to come together. With space for eight people, and four comfy seats, customers can sit and chat, grab a drink or snack from the self-service fridge-freezer, connect Bluetooth headphones to the touchscreens – or just enjoy a change of scene mid-flight. There’s a brand-new self-service fridge and we’ve raised the height of the seats, so it’s easier for customers to interact with our award-winning cabin crew.
▪ The space features dual 27” touchscreens and eight Bluetooth audio jacks to enable our customers to view content together.
▪ Customers will have access to a self-service fridge-freezer and snack dispenser for all their grazing needs
▪ Seating features seatbelts so that customers can safely occupy the Loft even during turbulence.
▪ Wireless charging and AC, USB-A and USB-C ports are available.
Introducing the A330neo The Retreat Suite – our most spacious suite yet
A brand new addition to our Upper Class cabin, The Retreat Suite consists of two exclusive suites at the front of the cabin, with lots of extra space, huge storage, bigger screens, and the ability for customers to create their own private onboard social space.
With ottomans that double up as extra seats, up to four people can comfortably dine, chat, play games and more. Customers can have an intimate dinner or settle into a movie for some private time, the possibilities are endless. It’s a unique space for ourcustomers to travel the way they choose.
Comfort
▪ Kitted out with a 6ft 7” fully flat bed, customers can recline into the increased suite space for maximum comfort throughout their journey.
Privacy
▪ Customers will experience optimum privacy in The Retreat, with electronic privacy dividers and fully closing aisle privacy doors. There’s also a ‘do not disturb’ light, so customers can get that all important beauty sleep without being interrupted.
Entertainment
▪ With a 27” touchscreen monitor with Bluetooth audio; customers will have access to hours’ worth of inflight entertainment at their fingertips. We’re also keeping customers fully connected with brand new wireless charging and Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a feature we have added to every seat in every cabin on this beautiful aircraft.
A330neo Upper Class – an evolution of luxe space and style
We’ve added more space, some enhanced storage, and even more style to our incredible Upper Class suite. The flexible space allows customers the opportunity to personalise their journeys to how they choose, whether that’s to work, rest or socialise. Customers can relax on the 6.4” seat to fully flat bed or watch one of hundreds of films
on the 17.3” screen. There’s a place for everything – even shoes – and even a mirror. Not to mention a fully closing privacy door, wireless charging and personal in-suite mood lighting.
Features:
▪ 17.3” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio ▪ Up to 22” seat width ▪ 6ft4” std/ 6ft7.5” front row fully flat bed ▪ Fully reclinable seat, from upright to bed ▪ Enhanced storage, including shoe stowage and lockable in-seat stowage ▪ Fully closing privacy door
▪ AC, USB-A and USB-C ports ▪ Wireless charging ▪ Do not disturb light ▪ Customer-controlled mood lighting
A330neo Premium – bigger seats and premium treats
Our already award-winning Premium cabin has been designed to be even more… well, Premium. Small stylish touches meet big differences – like calf rests on every seat. There’s intuitive touchscreen entertainment, Bluetooth audio, and lots of storage. Oh, and did we mention we have an in-seat wireless charger?
Features:
▪ In-seat wireless charging ▪ 13.3” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio ▪ 38” seat pitch ▪ 18.5” seat width ▪ AC and USB-A ports ▪ There are calf rests in every seat and increased storage too
A330neo Economy – connection and comfort for everyone
Settle into beautifully designed seats with stylish new fabric. The 13.3” seatback screen is our biggest yet, with an intuitive touchscreen and Bluetooth audio to connect headphones and customers can use their phone as a controller. There’s plenty ofstorage, plus AC power and USB ports to keep gadgets going.
Features:
▪ Our economy cabin offers connections and comfort for everyone
▪ The 13.3” Bluetooth seatback screen is our biggest yet – connect your ownheadphones and use your phone as a controller
Economy Economy Economy Premium Upper Class The Retreat light classic Delight Suite
Seat dimensions
Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 31”
Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 31”
Seat width 17.9” Seat pitch 34”
Seat width 18.5” Seat pitch 38”
Seat width 19.2” Seat pitch 44”Bed length 6ft4”
Seat width 19.2” Bed length 6ft6”
Seat manufacturer
Recaro CL3710
Recaro CL3710
Recaro CL3710
Collins MIQ
Thompson Aero Seating Vantage XL
Thompson Aero Seating V antage First
Power
AC and USB- A port
AC and USB- A port
AC and USB- A port
AC and USB-A port
AC, USB-A and USB-C ports
AC, USB-A and USB-C ports
Inflight entertain- ment (SPI Rave OS)
13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio
13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio
13.3”touchscreens with Bluetooth audio
13.3”touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
17.3”touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
27” touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
Wi-Fi
Supplier: Viasat Speed/service – high quality, full video streaming, browsing and messaging speeds to every connected device on the aircraft Price points: £5.99 for 1-hour or £18.99 for full flight
Additional features
Calf rest in all seats and wireless charging
Fully reclinable seat, enhanced storage including shoe stowage and lockable inseat stowage, fully closing privacy door, customer- controlled mood lighting and wireless charging.
Increased suite space, ottoman seating for quad dining/ socialising, electronic privacy divider and fully closing aisle privacy door, wireless charging, multiple oversized storage and a ‘do not disturb’ light
‘Do not disturb’ light.
Wi-Fi
High speed, high quality, full video streaming, browsing and messaging speeds to every connected device on the aircraft
1-hour pass £5.99 // full flight pass £18.99
PED pairing – connect personal devices to the inflight entertainment screen inevery seat. Enables you to browse the entertainment library, control your screen and activate the call bell and reading light from your own deviceBluetooth
• Bluetooth to connect your own headphones to the inflight entertainment in every seat
Additional customer benefits
▪ The Loft allows customers to meet away from their seat, self-serve drinks and snacks, and have a change of scene.
▪ The Retreat Suite converts into a private social space for up to four people.
▪ The world’s first in-seat wireless charging in both Premium and Upper Class, more USB connections throughout the aircraft, inflight Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth- enabled entertainment systems in all cabins so customers can use their ownheadphones.
▪ As well as the social space, the Upper Class suites have a few extra touches,from a spot for shoes to a mirror cabinet.Overall cabin design
▪ The design of every cabin has been considered down to the very finest detail.
▪ Throughout, there are rich, tactile fabrics in warm, inviting Virgin Atlanticsignature colours.
▪ Wehavemovedawayfromnaturalleatherthroughoutonthisaircraft,infavourof a material which is up to 50% lighter, uses no animal products in itsmanufacture, but still creates that Virgin Atlantic, premium look and feel.
▪ Inspiredbythehorizonlineseenthroughthewindow,theseatshaveabespoke aesthetic known as New Horizon, with beautifully stitched lines and contours. This aesthetic flows through all cabin classes, to tie everything together fromnose to tail, offering a premium experience throughout.
▪ In every cabin, mood lighting changes with each stage of the journey,customised to layer perfectly with the cabin colours to create a refreshing,relaxing overall onboard experience for everyone.
▪ Customers can connect their personal devices to the inflight entertainment screen in every seat onboard the aircraft. This feature allows you to browse the entertainment library, control your screen and use the call bell and reading light from your own device.
A330neo essential information
The order
▪ Virgin Atlantic has ordered up to 16 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft
▪ We are taking delivery of the first aircraft in Q3 2022 and expect to receive allaircraft by the end of 2026
▪ The order is worth $4.7billion list priceThe configuration▪ 2 seats in The Retreat Suite ▪ 30 seats in Upper Class (32 Upper Class in total) ▪ 46 seats in Premium ▪ 184 seats in Economy ▪ 262 total seat countRoutes▪ The aircraft will fly from our base at London Heathrow ▪ Operating on business and leisure routes worldwideDelivery Schedule first 4 aircraftArrival Date Reg Icon
September 2022
G-VJAZ
October 2022
G-VTOM
November 2022
G-VLDY
February 2023
G-VMER
Typical operating characteristics
▪ The A330neo has a typical range of 13,334km (7200 nautical miles)
▪ Overall length 63.66m (208ft 10in)
▪ Tail height 16.79m (55ft)
▪ Maximum cargo payload of 44,000kgs with the maximum volume of 126cbm(subject to pax/baggage volumes)
▪ Maximum take-off weight of 251ts
▪ Typical cruising speed of M0.82Latest generation propulsion▪ Latest Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engines▪ Patented nacelle & pylon design to reduce drag and noise ▪ 68-72klbf – Take-off thrust (VAA option is 72k) ▪ 11% lower fuel burn than the A330ceo ▪ Incorporating the latest Trent XWB technologyHigh-span wing
▪ Innovative ‘sharklet’ wingtip design
▪ Span expansion to 64m (+4m vs 787)
▪ New shape – Faster, re-twisted high-aspect ratio wing shape
▪ The neo wing has overall greater aerodynamic efficiency with lower induceddrag and higher lift at all speedsAdvanced materials▪ Extensive use of composite & titanium Other airlines operating the A330neo
▪ Virgin Atlantic is the only UK airline to operate the neo.
▪ Other notable customers include Delta, Lion Air, TAP and Condor.
▪ 19 operators of the A330neo currently, with 77 aircraft delivered to-date,operating 155 routes on 44,000+ revenue flights.
▪ 273 orders globally to date flying across all six continents.
Sustainability
▪ Following a multi-billion-dollar investment in fleet transformation over the last decade, we operate the youngest, cleanest fleet in the sky, with an average aircraft age of just under seven years and 68% next generation. This increases to 100% next generation by the beginning of 2027.
▪ This means our aircraft are equipped with the most efficient engines and state- of-the-art technology designed to save fuel and reduce emissions. This has so far delivered a 20% reduction in fleet carbon emissions.
▪ The new planes are designed to be 11 per cent more fuel and carbon efficient than the A330-300 they replace and will deliver a 50 per cent reduction in airport noise contour.
▪ Leather free. It features durable and stylish faux-leather seating in our Upper and Premium cabins as well as within our social space and economy headrests. Replacing our traditional leather offering, the material is lighter weight in comparison saving on average 1.5kgs per double seat.
▪ We’re using a faux leather from a company called Douglass called Luxaire. Delta use this across some of its newer Delta One seats. Weighs less and saves ~3000 cows across the entire neo fleet.
▪ We’llcontinuetorolloutthisalternativematerialacrossnewandexistingaircraft where feasible.
▪ Pre-order and pre-select meals are available in Upper Class cabins, allowing customers to select their meals in advance, helping to reduce waste onboard.
Virgin Atlantic Airways on March 2, 2023 is joining the SkyTeam alliance. The airline made this announcement:
Virgin Atlantic is formally joining SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, at a signing ceremony in London today, March 2, 2023. The move means Virgin Atlantic becomes SkyTeam’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester airports.
Virgin Atlantic customers will now benefit from a consistent, seamless customer experience, across 1,000 global destinations in over 170 countries. Customers can conveniently book every SkyTeam member flight on a single ticket, checking in with baggage just once through to their final destination.
Flying Club members have more opportunities to earn Virgin Points and Tier Points across all member airlines, accelerating both their rewards and tier status. Additionally, Flying Club members will be able to redeem hard-earned points on SkyTeam member airlines. Alongside joint venture partners Delta & Air France-KLM, these include Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, China Airlines, China Eastern*, Czech Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA* Airways, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, MEA, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines and XiamenAir.
The airline’s Flying Club members will receive host of benefits which will enhance their journeys across the SkyTeam network. Virgin Atlantic Silver Card holders are recognised as SkyTeam Elite Members, whilst the airline’s Gold Card members have become Elite Plus. SkyTeam Elite Plus, First and Business Class customers enjoy SkyPriority services including priority check in, baggage handling and boarding. Extra baggage allowance is offered to both Elite and Elite Plus members.
SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Virgin Atlantic, Delta* or Aeromexico will have access to Virgin Atlantic’s renowned Clubhouse at London Heathrow, whilst other SkyTeam Elite Plus members can take advantage of their airline-designated lounge at Terminal 3. Elite Plus members will also enjoy a network of 750 worldwide airport lounges to choose from*.
Virgin Atlantic’s entry into the alliance builds upon the success of its transatlantic joint venture with Delta and Air France-KLM, each already long-established SkyTeam members. Virgin Atlantic is co-located at London Heathrow’s Terminal 3, alongside Delta and existing SkyTeam members Aeromexico and China Eastern, providing customers with smooth airside transits and the most convenient connection times possible.
Codeshare agreements are already in place with Aeromexico and Middle East Airlines, in addition to existing codeshares with Air France-KLM and Delta, with options for more codeshares to follow later this year. Interline agreements with all SkyTeam members are already in place, providing one touch point for all customers, creating a seamless journey on one ticket.
Virgin Atlantic flies to 12 destinations throughout the USA in partnership with Delta and Air France-KLM including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco. Last year the airline launched services to two new US destinations, Austin and Tampa. Virgin Atlantic also operates an extensive Caribbean portfolio including Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, The Bahamas and from November, Turks and Caicos. Virgin Atlantic also operates services to China, India, Israel, Nigeria and South Africa. A new service to the Maldives will begin from October.
Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A350-1041 G-VLUX (msn 274) LHR (Keith Burton). Image: 960046.
Virgin Atlantic Airways announced today that it will be suspending services between London Heathrow and Lahore and Islamabad.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “As we continue to ramp up our flying program in 2023, we’ve taken the opportunity to review our entire network and decided to make a few changes.”
“Following this review, it is with regret that we’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend our services between London Heathrow and Pakistan. Since commencing operations in December 2020, we have been proud to offer choice for customers travelling between London and Manchester in the UK, and Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan. During that time, we have also provided important cargo capacity, as well as delivering vital medical supplies.”
Virgin Atlantic will continue to operate services between London and Lahore until May 1, 2023 and between London and Islamabad until July 9, 2023.
Background
Virgin Atlantic launched flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad and Lahore and Manchester to Islamabad in the height of the pandemic in December 2020
The routes were launched when many destinations, including the US, were closed for travel. Our Pakistan routes were targeted to capture the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) market which was one of the first sectors to recover.
As Virgin Atlantic ramps up its flying programme for 2023, the airline is reviewing its network and ensuring resources are utilised in the most optimal way to achieve operational resilience.
The final Pakistan flight dates are:
LHR-LHE VS364 departs 30th April 2023 at 21:55
LHE-LHR VS365 departs 1st May 2023 at 12:25
LHR-ISB VS378 departs 8th July 2023 at 21:55
ISB-LHR VS379 departs 9th July 2023 at 12:40
Our teams will communicate with any affected customers due to travel after these dates to share their options which include rebooking (if applicable) or a full refund. Customers who have booked with a third party travel agent should contact them to discuss their options.
Top Copyright Photo: Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A350-1041 G-VLUX (msn 274) LHR (Keith Burton). Image: 960046.
