• Airline is increasing flights to key destinations from Manchester Airport for Winter 2019, offering 30,000 more seats year on year
  • Virgin Atlantic will introduce its iconic Clubhouse experience to the airport for the first time, alongside a refurbished Virgin Holidays v-room
  • Increased capacity reaffirms Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to serving passengers flying from Manchester and the surrounding areas – the airline has increased flights from Manchester Airport by 92% since 2014
  • First step in ensuring customers in the region continue to be served – further new flights and destinations to follow

In a bid to increase choice for customers travelling from the Manchester region, Virgin Atlantic is expanding its operation out of Manchester Airport, with brand new flights from its Northern base, the opening of a new Clubhouse and a refurbished Virgin Holidays v-room at the airport.

As the airline continues to grow in Manchester, its winter schedule from the city will be its biggest to date, with nearly 30,000 additional seats year on year, offering more customers an award-winning full-service experience on-board.

The augmented schedule includes additional flights to Barbados, along with increased capacity on the popular New York service, meeting the needs of both leisure and business travellers;

  • The largest aircraft in the fleet, the Boeing 747, will now operate a greater number of services to New York JFK, increasing MAN-JFK capacity by 65% year on year
  • A third weekly service from Manchester to Barbados will be introduced for the full Winter 2019 season
  • Virgin Atlantic will also increase flying from London Gatwick, with an eighth and ninth weekly service to Barbados for the Winter 2019 season.

These additional services will go on sale from Tuesday 1 October, for travel on various dates through the Winter 2019 season, with fares starting from as little as £409 return.  The airline is now reviewing options to add further flights and new destinations to its Winter 2019/ Summer 2020 schedule. A greater number of flights from both Gatwick and Manchester to Orlando will come into effect during peak travel periods, with further details to be announced shortly.

Last year, Virgin Atlantic increased capacity from Manchester airport by 20%, including a new service between Manchester and Los Angeles, transporting more than 20,000 customers to the west coast city in its first three months, providing the only business class cabin on the route.

In order to provide an unrivalled travel experience, Virgin Atlantic will bring its iconic Clubhouse lounge to Manchester for the first time from Spring 2020.  Upper Class customers and Gold Card members can take advantage of the exclusive space before their flight, which will include a la carte dinning and a full service bar, quiet working spaces and a spa, allowing passengers to relax and rejuvenate before they depart.

The Virgin Holidays v-room will also get a brand new look, alongside the Clubhouse. Whether you’re a honeymooner off to the Caribbean or taking the kids away to Orlando, the v-room caters for everyone, with a buffet food offering and plenty of play areas for younger travellers.

Juha Jarvinen, EVP Commercial at Virgin Atlantic, commented;

“As one of our three core hubs in the UK alongside Heathrow and Gatwick, Manchester is Virgin Atlantic’s home in the North. As part of our growth strategy, we have long-since held an ambition to expand in Manchester and that is reflected in a significant 92% increase in seat capacity since 2014. Schedule expansion this winter, coupled with our first ever Clubhouse in the North, demonstrate our clear commitment to the region.

“There is a huge opportunity for Virgin Atlantic here; we want to be the airline of choice for customers travelling from Manchester Airport and we’re eager to build upon our announcement today, with a greater number of new flights and destinations to follow in the near future.”

Joe Thompson, Managing Director, Virgin Holidays said:

“Manchester continues to be an expanding market for Virgin Holidays, and the increased flight capacity, via Virgin Atlantic, will improve our offer to customers in the Manchester area. We are extremely proud of our presence in the region, having opened our current v-room at Manchester Airport in 2011, serving thousands of customers every year, ensuring their holiday gets off to a special start. With increased flight capacity, Virgin Holidays will be able to offer even more customers the very best holiday deals across a range of amazing destinations, from action-packed city breaks and theme parks to relaxing beach escapes.”

Julian Carr, Aviation Director at Manchester Airport, said:

“It’s pleasing to see Virgin Atlantic increase its flying programme from Manchester Airport this winter. New York, Barbados and Orlando are amongst our most popular destinations, so the news will be welcomed by the 22 million people in our catchment area.

“I am sure Virgin Atlantic’s passengers will also benefit from and enjoy the Clubhouse and v-room once they open next year and will form a great part of our £1bn transformation.”

Virgin Atlantic flies the newly refurbished Airbus A330-200 and Boeing 747 from Manchester to destinations across the USA and the Caribbean, including Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  All cabins offer complimentary food and drink, with a full Wi-Fi offering on board.