Virgin launches daily Heathrow to Chicago flight

Virgin Atlantic has today (April 24) begun flying daily between London Heathrow and Chicago.

The Lake Michigan city is the airline's 10th destination in the US and its 27th across the world.

Flights will depart London at 11.15am, touching down at Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 2.10pm. On the way back, flights will leave the Windy City at 6pm and get back to London at 8am the following morning.

An Airbus A340-300 will be used for the route, configured with 34 business class, 35 premium economy and 171 economy seats.

Virgin Atlantic chairman Sir Richard Branson commented: "With its mix of business hotels and conference centres, and extensive festivals and events, Chicago appeals to all travellers and we have already seen very good forward bookings for the first few months."

Competition on the route is already tough and that the presence of a Virgin flight is likely to benefit passengers.

Branson said that the new route would "ultimately lead to lower ticket prices and an improved quality of service".

Virgin also today launched its second daily link between London Heathrow and Washington D.C. It will depart London at 5.30pm and touch down at Washington Dulles Airport at 8.55pm. On the way back, flights will leave Washington at 11.10pm and arrive back in London at 11.35am the next day.

Virgin originally launched the London to Washington route in June 1996.

© Adfero Ltd