Virgin Atlantin Suspends Mumbai-London

Virgin Atlantic is to temporarily suspend its London Heathrow to Mumbai service with effect from early May. Passenger numbers to and from Mumbai have been falling for many months, a trend which started even before the global economic slowdown hit. Despite the drop in numbers, more airlines than ever are operating irrationally and servicing the route at a loss. Virgin Atlantic intends to begin flying again to Mumbai when it is economically viable to do so.

The last flight will be VS350 on Saturday 2nd May from London Heathrow and flight VS351 on Sunday 3rd May from Mumbai. Virgin Atlantic continues to operate its successful, daily service between London Heathrow and Delhi and will explore flying to other Indian cities in future, where there is much less capacity. 

Virgin Atlantic places order for Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, and aircraft maker Boeing today announced an extensive partnership which includes the largest order yet by a European airline for Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner.

Virgin Atlantic is ordering 15 of the 787-9 Dreamliners – with options on ordering another eight 787-9s and purchase rights on a further 20 aircraft. The 787-9 Dreamliner burns around 27% less fuel per passenger than the A340-300, the aircraft it will replace in the Virgin Atlantic fleet. The order will see Virgin Atlantic take delivery of its new planes from 2011 and could be worth up to US$8 billion.

The Boeing 787-9, which can carry up to 290 passengers depending on the bed or seat layout, brings a step change in aviation and will substantially reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. Its innovative design, with over half of the aircraft built from composite materials, helps to reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions significantly. The noise footprint of the 787-9 is also 60% lower than the A340-300, benefiting local communities living close to airports.

Virgin Atlantic will choose an engine manufacturer, either Rolls Royce or General Electric, for the aircraft in due course.

Virgin Atlantic reduce Orlando in Winter 08/09

Virgin Atlantic is reducing London Gatwick – Orlando service from 2 Daily to 1 from 11JAN09 to 28MAR09.

VS027/028 will not be operating during this period

Virgin Atlantic reduce Los Angeles flight

Virgin Atlantic is operating London – Los Angeles flight at reduced frequency from 19JAN09 to 28MAR09.

The reduction is mainly on VS023/024, operating 3-6 weekly service depending on the particular week

Virgin Atlantic 340-600 to Mauritius

From 05DEC08 to 10JAN09, Virgin Atlantic’s 2 weekly London – Mauritius flight is planned to be operated by A340-600, instead of A340-300