Virgin offers online check-in promotion

Virgin Atlantic is offering its passengers an incentive to use its online check-in facilities during the peak summer holiday season.

Holidaymakers flying with the airline from its bases in London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester airports will be able to claim a discount duty-free voucher until August 31.

The £10 gratuity applies to purchases of two or more fragrances from Virgin's VScents for Her and VScents for Him ranges, available in the carrier's Retail Therapy Duty Free shops.

Virgin doubles frequency of Hong Kong service

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it is doubling the frequency of its staple London Heathrow to Hong Kong service.

From October 28, a second daily flight will be added on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - departing at 4pm BST and arriving at 12.30pm local time the following day.

Return flights on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday will leave Hong Kong at 2.15pm, arriving at London Heathrow at 7.20pm the same day.

New Gatwick lounge for Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic opened a new VIP lounge, VROOM, at London Gatwick Airport over the weekend.

Unlike the traditional Virgin Clubhouse located on the other side of the airport, VROOM is primarily geared towards catering for families travelling with children.

The facility includes several 'zones' designed to preoccupy youngsters, allowing their parents to enjoy complimentary food and soft drinks as well as discounted alcoholic beverages without disturbances.

Virgin threatens to pull out of Kenya

Virgin Atlantic has signalled it will cease flying to Kenya if political violence flares up again.

The east African country was rocked by post-election riots in January as tribal groups took to the streets to protest the narrow re-election of incumbent president Mwai Kibaki.

Despite hundreds of people losing their lives in the civil unrest, Virgin Atlantic continued to fly into the country even as other airlines pulled their services.

Virgin Heathrow lounge picks up award

Virgin Atlantic has won an award for its lounge at London Heathrow Airport for the third year running.

The airline picked up the Best Clubhouse accolade from V-Flyer.co.uk, a website launched by customers of Virgin's global network of travel companies.

Passengers who took part in the survey described the lounge as a "haven away from the hustle of the main terminal," and "truly the only way to start a flight".

Virgin Atlantic pushes for 'truly Open Skies'

The Open Skies agreement between the EU and America does not go far enough to liberalise international aviation rules, Virgin Atlantic has said.

According to the carrier, negotiators working on behalf of aviation groups in the two regions must do more to "unshackle" the industry from rules which restrict foreign operations.

The EU-US Open Skies agreement, which came into effect on March 30, included key regulatory changes such as increasing the number of transatlantic carriers permitted to operate out of Heathrow.

Virgin Atlantic voted best for amenities

Virgin Atlantic has been voted the best airline for amenities, according to a new survey by SeatGuru.com.

The poll quizzed more than 1,600 global travellers about in-flight entertainment preferences, asking respondents to rank airlines according to their performance.

Virgin Atlantic secured first place for amenities and Singapore Airlines came on top for quality of airline food. All three top spots for both polls were shared by those two airlines along with British Airways.

Virgin Atlantic launches second Washington service

Virgin Atlantic will be operating a second daily service to Washington from London Heathrow from April 20.

The carrier will provide the service to Washington Dulles International Airport until October 25, complementing the airline's existing daily service, which was launched in June 1996.

The flights will be served by an Airbus A340 aircraft, which all include an Upper Class suite.

Steve Ridgway, chief executive of the airline, said: "Virgin Atlantic is pleased to announce this additional service offering our passengers more choice and flexibility to Washington this summer.

Virgin Atlantic offers sale fares to Nairobi

Book by 10pm on Monday, March 31: Virgin Atlantic is offering sale return fares from London Heathrow to Nairobi. Fares start at £390, including taxes, charges and surcharges.

Fly Economy from Heathrow to Nairobi:
From £390 (for travel by March 31)
From £394 (for travel between April 1 and May 31)

Fly Premium Economy from Heathrow to Nairobi:
From £730 (for travel by March 31)
From £734 (for travel between April 1 and May 31)

Virgin considers new London to India links

Virgin Atlantic president Sir Richard Branson has admitted that the airline is considering expanding its operations between London and India.

Sir Richard told The Hindu that, following a recent trip to the Indian state of Kerala, there was a possibility that a new route could be launched between London and a city in the area.

However, he refused to commit to exact plans and locations for increasing the airline's presence in India.

Virgin warns that Open Skies may not reduce fares

Virgin Atlantic has warned that the imminent EU-US Open Skies agreement will not lead to a significant reduction in fares on routes between the UK and US.

The airline has claimed that the difficulty of obtaining slots at Heathrow Airport will prevent any significant change in the situation at the hub, while current economy fares were already as low as possible.

However, the airline's chief operating officer, Lyell Strambi, argued that airlines that were able to invest in their airport operations, speeding up check-in and security processes, would have the best chance of being successful at Heathrow.

Virgin to reward online check-in

Virgin Atlantic has revealed details of a new initiative that aims to encourage its passengers to check-in online.

Passengers travelling from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester between August 1 and September 30 who chose to use the airline's web-based check-in will be given the chance to print off a discount voucher.

The voucher offers £6 off for every £30 spent on Virgin's in-flight Retail Therapy shopping service, with passengers also receiving discounts and vouchers for use at a number of duty free retailers within Heathrow's Terminal 3 and Gatwick's South Terminal.

Virgin boss backs Heathrow expansion

Sir Richard Branson, the president of Virgin Atlantic, has called for the plans for a further expansion of London Heathrow Airport, to be given the go-ahead.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's (February 27) end of the public consultation on the proposals, Sir Richard claimed that increasing the airport's capacity was essential to maintain London's position as a centre for global finance and business.

He advocated the building of a third runway at the hub as the only means for it to compete with other European airports, such as Frankfurt, which are introducing similar changes.

Virgin trials biofuel flight

Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that it has successfully completed the world's first ever flight by a commercial aircraft to be powered by biofuel.

The airline flew one of its Boeing 747s from London Heathrow to Amsterdam yesterday (February 24), with the fuel created from a mix of coconut oil and babassu oil.

Virgin Atlantic president, Sir Richard Branson, claimed that the advent of the flight represented a major step forward in the aviation industry's attempts to reduce its carbon emissions.

Bond takes to the skies with Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is to welcome back James Bond as the airline has announced it will launch a series of promotional and marketing initiatives connected with the new film Quantum of Solace, starring Daniel Craig as 007.

Set for release on November 7 it rekindles an alliance between Virgin Atlantic and James Bond first seen in Casino Royale, when Daniel Craig made his first appearance as 007.

The film became the most successful in the James Bond franchise, with record-breaking box office sales.

Virgin to operate biofuel demonstration

Virgin Atlantic is to operate a demonstration flight using biofuel next month.

A Virgin Boeing 747 will fly between London Heathrow and Amsterdam using biofuel, as part of an initiative by some airlines and Boeing to find new sustainable fuel sources for aircraft.

The fuel used does not compete with food and fresh water resources, the airline points out. There will be no passengers on board the flight.

Virgin improves passenger experience

Virgin has been rewarded for the service it offers to business class passengers checking in at its new Upper Class Wing, at London Heathrow Airport, with a top magazine award.

The airline's new operation, which opened last November, has been awarded the Fastest Airport Check-In accolade by the Wallpaper Awards.

Passengers using the check-in benefit from a dedicated security channel to speed their access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, and the magazine's travel editor, Sara Henrichs, praised the airline's efforts to improve its passengers' experience.

Virgin Atlantic strike called off

The strike by Virgin Atlantic workers that was planned for January 9, 10, 16 and 17 has been called off.

In news that will come as a great relief to those with tickets booked for those dates, the Unite union called off the industrial action after a resolution was reached.

"We are pleased that both sides have managed to avert strike action that was planned for this week and next. The outcome is a triumph of common sense and means that our passengers need not worry about getting to their destinations," said Virgin Atlantic chairman Sir Richard Branson.

Virgin Atlantic crews to strike in January

Virgin Atlantic has said it will be forced to cancel a number of flights in January when cabin crew will take industrial action over pay levels.

Two periods of industrial action are planned, each lasting 48 hours, with the first starting at 6am on Wednesday, January 9, and the second again beginning at 6am on Wednesday, January 16.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, said: "Our main priority now is to ensure that we can get as many of our passengers to their destinations as possible. We do not want to let them down so we have put in place thorough contingency plans which will enable us to run nine out of ten flights on each of the days affected by the action. I would like to apologise to our passengers whose travel plans may be disrupted and reassure those who are travelling with us that our number one priority is to get them to their destination."

Virgin opens new terminal at Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic has opened its new terminal at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 3, aiming to improve both the speed and comfort of the check-in process.

The new development includes the introduction of the Upper Class Wing, a business passenger facility that boasts the fastest check-in in the world.

Premium Economy and Economy passengers will also benefit from a newly-designed check-in, with the airline revealing that it hopes that 80 per cent of its customers will use online or kiosk check-in by the end of 2008.

Virgin shows online drama KateModern in-flight

Online drama KateModern is to be shown on Virgin Atlantic flights from the beginning of December.

KateModern is the UK spin-off of the drama lonelygirl15, which became an internet sensation, and will be available via the V:port entertainment system that all passengers have on their seat-back TVs. It debuted on social networking site Bebo this summer.

On the web, it is screened in short, three to five-minute episodes, charting the adventures of art student Kate and her friends as they pitch their wits against the dark forces of an evil Order.

Virgin Atlantic passengers will be able to view a short introductory video and the first 31 episodes.

Virgin offers cheaper business class fares

© Virgin Atlantic

Offer ends November 27: Virgin Atlantic is running a sale on Upper Class (business class) seats, beginning at £1,209 return (including taxes and charges).

For travel between December 22 and January 14, 2008, the following routes are on offer from London:

New York JFK or Newark from £1,209
Boston, Washington from £1,309
Chicago from £1,509
Los Angeles, San Francisco from £1,669

Virgin and Air Jamaica to codeshare Gatwick flights

Virgin Atlantic is to launch a codeshare with Air Jamaica on flights from Gatwick Airport, the airline has announced.

As of Sunday, November 18 Air Jamaica's code will be placed on Virgin Atlantic flights operating to and from the Jamaican capital of Kingston, as well as Montego Bay. In return, domestic connecting Air Jamaica flights between Montego Bay and Kingston will have Virgin's VS code.

As a result of the codeshare, travellers will be able to choose from four direct services a week to the Caribbean island.

Virgin reiterates commitment to sports travellers

Virgin Atlantic has stressed its commitment to sports travellers, pointing out that they can take one piece of sporting equipment with them on board along with their checked-in baggage allowance.

The airline made the announcement following news that British Airways would no longer allow passengers to carry surfboards, a move that prompted world number one surfer Mick Fanning to sign a petition in protest.

Virgin allows passengers to take diving equipment, golf bags, fishing tackle, hang gliders, skis, surfboards, windsurfing boards, booms and sails, bicycles, paragliders, canoes and kayaks free of charge, so long as they comply with size and weight restrictions.

Offset carbon emissions on board Virgin Atlantic flights

Virgin Atlantic is introducing an onboard service for passengers to offset the carbon generated by their travel during a flight.

The Gold Standard Carbon Offset Scheme calculates how much carbon is produced by each flight, and then works out how much this equates to for each passenger.

Upper Class (business class) passengers pay more than those travelling in economy or premium economy because their seats and TV screens are significantly heavier and therefore generate more emissions.

New Virgin microsite offers virtual tour of Heathrow T3 check-in

Long-haul airline Virgin Atlantic has launched a mini website offering customers a virtual tour of its new check-in facilities at Heathrow Terminal 3.

Produced by The Juice Group, the microsite at www.virginatlantic.com/experienceT3 features several different virtual tours, demonstrating the check-in experience for Upper Class (business class), premium economy and economy.

With graphics similar to those seen in the Second Life online world, the Upper Class tour demonstrates the new Upper Class Wing, which features its own dedicated security channel and promises the world's fastest check-in.

Virgin launches flights to Kingston, Jamaica

Virgin Atlantic today (October 30) began flying between London Gatwick and Kingston, the capital of Jamaica.

The service will run twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. On the way out, flights will leave London at 9.25am, getting to Kingston at 2.20pm; on the return leg, flights will leave Jamaica at 5.35pm, getting back to Gatwick at 7.15am on Wednesday and Sunday mornings.

Spacious Boeing 747-400 aircraft will be used for the route.

Virgin to move Barbados flights to Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic is set to move its Barbados flights from Gatwick to Heathrow Airport.

According to The Jamaica Observer, Sir Richard Branson's airline will use Heathrow slots sold by Air Jamaica for the route.

Virgin has apparently wanted to make the move for a long time and will switch to Heathrow from December 11.

Virgin Atlantic to fly Heathrow to Mauritius

Virgin Atlantic will begin its flights from London to Mauritius on Sunday, October 28.

The route, which is the company's first to an Indian Ocean destination, will be operated by an Airbus A340-300 aircraft with business class, premium economy, and economy seating.

Flights will leave London Heathrow twice a week. On Fridays, flights will depart at 8pm, reaching Mauritius at 12pm the following day. On the way back, they will leave on Saturdays at 2pm, getting back to the UK at 10.25pm.

Virgin Holidays lounge to open at Gatwick

Virgin Holidays is getting ready to open a new airport lounge at Gatwick Airport, dedicated to leisure travellers.

The V ROOM will open next spring and will be for the exclusive use of Virgin Holidays customers, whatever class they may be travelling in.

Designed with three separate areas (kids, adults-only and family), the lounge covers 7,340 square feet and has views of the airport's runways through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Personal shopping in Virgin Heathrow Clubhouse

Virgin Atlantic is offering its Upper Class (business class) passengers a personal shopping service at its Heathrow Clubhouse.

For a limited time passengers will be able to benefit from retailer Net-a-Porter's personal shopping team, and shop for a wide variety of fashion items at the Net-a-Porter.com website using specially-branded Sony Vaio laptops in the Clubhouse (Virgin's business lounge at Heathrow).

The personal shopping team will either be there in person or available by phone to give expert styling advice.

'World's fastest check-in' coming soon

Virgin Atlantic is set to open its Upper Class Wing at Heathrow Terminal 3 next month, creating what it says will be the world's fastest airport check-in.

Business passengers will be able to get "from limo to lounge" in less than ten minutes when the development opens on November 2.

Upper Class and Flying Club Gold passengers arriving at the airport can use the dedicated check-in area in Zone A, and then take a special lift to a dedicated security channel. This then leads to the heart of the terminal building, close to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.

Fairtrade tea and coffee for Virgin Atlantic passengers

Virgin Atlantic is to offer Fairtrade tea and coffee to all passengers, as part of a sustainability drive.

After a series of blind tastings, the airline decided to offer organic green and white teas from QI Teas, a range of coffees from Costa Coffee and specialist supplier FFI UK, and a range of organic and Fairtrade teas from Clipper.

Virgin Atlantic served almost seven million cups of coffee and more than five million cups of tea on flights last year, and notes that the switch to Fairtrade products will bring significant benefits to farmers.

Virgin to equip Heathrow fleet with new seats

Virgin Atlantic is set to fit out its entire Heathrow fleet with its new premium economy seat.

The airline's premium economy has proved successful since its introduction, with a 56 per cent increase in passengers travelling in this class between 2000 and 2005.

Its Airbus planes at Heathrow already have the new wider leather seat in premium economy and now its fleet of Boeing 747s will be kitted out in time for Christmas. The jumbo jets will also have 62 seats in this class, compared with 32 at the present time.

Virgin launches course for fearful flyers at Edinburgh Airport

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it is to launch a new course at Edinburgh Airport for those who are afraid of flying.

The airline's latest one-day Flying Without Fear course, run in conjunction with FWF Limited, will take off at the Scottish hub on September 2 and is aimed at teaching people who are scared of flying to overcome their fear.

It includes talks from Virgin Atlantic pilots about how aeroplanes operate and advice from well-known psychotherapist David Landau.

Boost in Virgin Atlantic passenger numbers

© Virgin

The introduction of flights to Dubai and Montego Bay in Jamaica helped Virgin Atlantic to increase its passenger traffic and sales figures over the last financial year.

As well as these two new routes, the airline added frequency on flights to New York, Las Vegas, the Caribbean, Mumbai, Cape Town, Shanghai and Orlando, and passenger numbers increased by 10.5 per cent to 5.1 million.

Core sales increased by 13 per cent, from £1.88 billion to £2.14 billion, and pre-tax profits (including those from Virgin Holidays) totalled £46.8 million. This was down from £77.5 million last year, but the figure was affected by major investment in the Upper Class (business class) and premium economy cabins, the London Heathrow Clubhouse and other initiatives.

Aid offered to Jamaica by Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is to fly thousands of food packs and blankets to Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Dean, which passed to the south of the island last night.

The airline's scheduled service, flight VS65, will be the first UK airline to fly to Montego Bay, in the north of the Caribbean island, since the hurricane hit the region and closed the country’s two main airports.

The flight will depart Gatwick this afternoon loaded with food packs containing items including fresh water, biscuits, fresh fruit and health bars that will be distributed through local agencies in the Montego Bay area after arrival this evening at 7.50pm local time.

Virgin Atlantic scoops award for business class lounge

© Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse has fought off stiff competition from rival airlines to collect this year's award for the Best Business Class Lounge.

Skytrax's World Airline Awards placed Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse lounge ahead of Cathay Pacific's equivalent in Hong Kong, confirming its reputation as one of the world's leading carriers for business travellers.

Edward Plaisted, chief executive officer of Skytrax, said: "This is a hotly contested section of the Awards, and our congratulations go to Virgin Atlantic for securing this win. Business class passengers are a very demanding lot, and with the extensive range of high quality business lounges around the world, it is a great accolade for Virgin to get this vote of approval and satisfaction."

Virgin announces extra Christmas flights to Jamaica

Virgin Atlantic has added five more flights between London and Jamaica's Montego Bay over the popular Christmas and New Year period.

The airline initially launched flights to the popular resort in July last year, and its white sand beaches and numerous buzzing beach-front bars and clubs have proved seriously alluring for UK holidaymakers.

Now it will operate additional flights on December 22, 23 and 29, 2007, and January 5 and 6, 2008, to meet demand over the festive season.

Virgin could order eight more Dreamliner jets

© Virgin

Following its initial order for 15 Dreamliner aircraft, Virgin Atlantic looks set to exercise options on a further eight of the jets.

Manufacturer Boeing has already received orders for a total of 677 of the "technologically advanced and environmentally progressive" planes (see related Cheapflights story), worth a combined £55 billion.

This included the 15 Dreamliners ordered by Virgin Atlantic back in April, and the airline is considering exercising options on a further eight, which would bring its total fleet to 23. A final decision on this will be taken "by the end of the year", a spokesperson confirmed.

Virgin's Flying Without Fear course comes to Bournemouth

Virgin Atlantic is to bring its Flying Without Fear course to Bournemouth Airport, beginning on July 22.

Operated together with FWF Limited, the airline offers one-day courses aimed at conquering the fear of flying, featuring psychotherapist David Landau.

Costing £199 plus VAT, courses begin with a run-through of aircraft functions and safety and a question and answer session.

Virgin offers cheap flights to India

Offers expire on Thursday, July 5: Virgin Atlantic is offering discounted Economy-Class fares on flights to India this summer.

The following destinations are on offer from London (prices are for return tickets including all taxes and extra charges):

Mumbai from £445 (for departures between July 1 and August 16)
Delhi from £445 (for departures between August 5 and August 16)

Virgin's new Glasgow to Orlando route takes flight

© Virgin

Virgin Atlantic has launched its first route from Scotland - Glasgow to Orlando, Florida.

The inaugural flight took off on Saturday (June 23), with a live Scottish band playing on the concourse at Glasgow International Airport to commemorate the occasion.

Flights will operate for the next three Saturdays, to coincide with the Scottish schools' summer holidays, and will fly again on October 6 and October 13, to fit in with half term. Orlando is especially popular with families because it is home to world-famous theme parks such as Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort.

Virgin offers sunglasses clinic in June

Virgin Atlantic is running a "Sunglasses Styling Clinic" for Upper Class (business class) passengers at its Heathrow Clubhouse this month.

Stylist Lucy Garrett will be on hand on certain days throughout the month to help passengers choose the sunglasses that best suit their face and features.

Passengers can make appointments to see Lucy by visiting www.virginatlantic.com and clicking "What's Onboard/Clubhouses".

Virgin Atlantic offers Lord of the Rings amenity kits

Virgin Atlantic has introduced Lord of the Rings amenity kits in economy class on inbound flights to the UK.

People returning from their holidays can look forward to a travel wallet with a Lord of the Rings bag tag, "Precious Sleep" eyeshades, socks adorned with a quote from Gandalf, and a limited edition gold pen.

The packs, which celebrate the start of the Lord of the Rings stage show in London's Drury Lane, will be available for the next six months on flights arriving at Gatwick, Manchester and Heathrow (debuting on Heathrow flights from mid-June).

Virgin Atlantic to start business only airline

Virgin Atlantic will establish a transatlantic business class-only airline to take on the likes of MAXjet and Eos, according to Sir Richard Branson.

In an interview with Air and Business Travel News, the Virgin founder said the new carrier - whose name is still in discussion - would start by flying between Europe and US cities such as New York, with UK connections to follow soon afterwards.

Currently Eos, Silverjet and MAXjet compete amongst themselves in the lucrative UK to US all-business class market, but the Virgin venture will begin flying from the UK within a year and a half.

Air Jamaica to codeshare with Virgin Atlantic

Air Jamaica has confirmed it will discontinue its service to London and enter into a codeshare agreement with Virgin Atlantic.

The move, which will come into effect on October 28, will mean that the Air Jamaica code will be placed on all Virgin Atlantic flights between Jamaica and London Gatwick.

Under the agreement, Virgin Atlantic will operate a twice-weekly service to Kingston in addition to their current twice-weekly service to Montego Bay. The Virgin Atlantic code will be added to Air Jamaica's domestic flights between Kingston and Montego Bay.

Virgin Atlantic to improve Heathrow check-in

Virgin Atlantic has unveiled plans for improved check-in at Heathrow Airport, from where it flies to destinations including New York, Cape Town, Delhi, Hong Kong and Sydney.

The airline says that the transformation of the Zone A check-in area at Heathrow Terminal Three, as well as the creation of a drive-thru check-in facility for Upper Class (business class) passengers, will provide "tough competition" for the new Terminal Five, where BA will be based.

Designed by leading architects Foster and Partners together with Virgin, the new Zone A check-in area promises to be "wider, brighter and more spacious". The airline says that it will take most passengers less than 15 minutes to pass through check-in and reach the departure lounge.

Virgin to increase Jamaica flights

Virgin Atlantic is set to increase its flights between London and Jamaica, after Air Jamaica announced it would drop its own service.

Sir Richard Branson's airline began flying to Jamaica last summer, with a direct service between Gatwick and Kingston (as previously reported by Cheapflights).

Now it will add flights from Gatwick to the Jamaican capital Kingston in a code-share with Air Jamaica, The Telegraph reports. The service will begin in October, operating twice weekly.

Direct Australia flights on the cards from Virgin

Virgin Atlantic is likely to offer non-stop flights to Australia now that it has put in an order for fuel-efficient Dreamliner aircraft.

The airline has ordered up to 43 Boeing 787 jets, which can travel further without having to stop for refuelling.

A huge distance between the UK and Australia means that aircraft currently have to stop at destinations such as Singapore part-way along the 'kangaroo route', but Virgin Atlantic is set to change all that.

Virgin Atlantic buys eco-friendly Dreamliners

© Boeing

Virgin Atlantic has placed an order for 15 eco-friendly Boeing Dreamliners and has hinted that flights to Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok and other long-haul destinations could begin in the future.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners allow for better long-range capability, meaning they can travel further without requiring stops.

A spokesman for the airline explained: "A more direct route uses less fuel, with fewer take-offs and landings reducing aircraft noise as well as freeing-up airport slots with fewer connecting passengers.

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.

Virgin launches Upper Class sale

© Virgin Atlantic

Offer expires on Wednesday, May 9: Virgin Atlantic is offering savings of up to 47 per cent on destinations across the world in its latest Upper Class (business class) sale.

The airline has helpfully spelled out exactly how much you will save on these fares. For travel from London between July 1 and August 31, the following routes are on offer (prices are for return tickets, including all taxes and extra charges).

Barbados from £1,399 (22 per cent off)
Los Angeles from £1,799 (43 per cent off)
San Francisco from £1,799 (43 per cent off)
Miami from £1,699 (44 per cent off)
New York from £1,399 (46 per cent off)
Chicago from £1,599 (47 per cent off)
Washington from £1,399 (46 per cent off)
Boston from £1,399 (46 per cent off)
Dubai from £1,199 (7 per cent off)

Virgin brings Flying without Fear programme to Leeds

Virgin Atlantic will start a new Flying Without Fear (FWF) course at Leeds Bradford Airport on June 17.

The airline has been running the courses for about ten years at airports including Heathrow, Manchester and Southampton, in order to help passengers overcome their aviatophobia. Its success rate is more than 98 per cent, according to Richard Conway, Director of FWF.

The daily course costs £199 plus VAT and the session begins with a talk by Virgin Atlantic captains about how aircraft operate.

World's best golfing offer from Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is running a golf offer on flights from London and Manchester to Florida and the Caribbean.

Passengers flying between May 28 and July 15 will be able to take an extra piece of luggage for free, which means they can take two pieces of luggage as well as a golf bag and will incur no excess baggage fee. Golf bags can include up to 14 clubs, a dozen balls and a pair of shoes.

The offer applies to flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Florida and the Caribbean. Virgin Atlantic flies from both Gatwick and Manchester to Orlando, St Lucia and Barbados, and from Gatwick to Antigua, Grenada, Montego Bay and Tobago. Prices begin at £388.

Virgin America plans transatlantic cheap flights

Sir Richard Branson's Virgin brand is looking to take on the likes of Ryanair in the transatlantic low-fare airline market.

Last week Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said that his company would launch flights to the US with tickets priced from just £7.

Now it has emerged that Virgin America - which will begin flying US domestic routes in July - is also planning a budget service linking the UK with the States.

Print off Virgin Atlantic boarding cards at home

Virgin Atlantic has launched a facility whereby passengers can print off their boarding passes from home.

Where online check-in is available (on all flights except those departing from Grenada, Tobago and Nassau), only from selected destinations, passengers will be able to follow online instructions on how to print off their own boarding pass, thereby saving time when they get to the airport.

It needs to be printed on plain paper and will have its own barcode that contains all the relevant flight details.

Virgin showcases new film talent

Virgin Atlantic is to showcase films by up-and-coming directors on its flights, giving passengers the chance to vote for their favourites.

In a collaboration with the National Film and Television School (NFTS), the long-haul airline will screen 14 short films on its in-flight entertainment system over the next four months.

All seats on Virgin Atlantic flights have their own seat-back TVs and passengers can watch the films and vote to compile a shortlist of six top entries.

Virgin alliance benefits those travelling to Japan

Virgin Atlantic has signed an alliance agreement with Japanese carrier ANA (All Nippon Airways), which will provide customers with inter-airline e-ticketing, new combination fares and more choice.

The extension of combination fares will allow passengers to combine Virgin Atlantic and ANA flights in the same return ticket, in any class.

Virgin flies daily from Heathrow to Tokyo, departing at 1pm and arriving at 9am the following day; on the way back, flights leave Japan at 11am and touch down in London at 3.30pm.

Mauritius is Virgin Atlantic's latest dream destination

Virgin Atlantic is to begin a twice-weekly flight from London Gatwick to the exotic island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.

Beginning on October 29, flights will depart twice per week, on Mondays and Fridays, returning on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Seats are available for early booking now on www.virgin-atlantic.com, with prices from just over £600 return.

Branson to choose between Airbus and Boeing

Virgin Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson has revealed that he will soon choose between Airbus and Boeing as he waits on the delayed A380 superjumbo from Airbus.

The airline has ordered six A380 planes and Branson had hoped to incorporate them into his fleet in the near future. Due to manufacturing problems, however, Virgin will not be able to take possession of the 555-seat aircraft until 2013.

Speaking on Bloomberg Television, Branson admitted that it would be necessary to order several planes to cover the intervening years.

NASA backs Virgin Galactic space project

NASA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Virgin Galactic to "explore the potential for collaborations" on the development of various technologies.

Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic aims to be jetting tourists into space as soon as next year on board custom-made space ships, and the new deal will see the American space agency back the project and help to develop space suits, heat shields for spaceships, hybrid rocket motors and hypersonic vehicles "capable of travelling five or more times the speed of sound".

Shana Dale, NASA's deputy administrator, commented: "By encouraging such potential collaborations, NASA supports the developments of greater commercial collaboration and applications that will serve to strengthen and enhance the future benefits of space exploration for all of mankind."

Virgin offers vouchers to those hit by extra APD

Virgin Atlantic has joined a growing list of airlines that are fighting back against the increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD), this time by offering discount vouchers.

The airline has said that those passengers who booked their tickets before December 12, when the Chancellor Gordon Brown announced the increase, and have paid it online prior to arriving at the airport, will be given a voucher at the airport.

Passengers will be able to take advantage of £20 off a future economy booking or £40 off a future premium economy or upper class booking, while the airline itself voiced its displeasure at the Chancellor’s move.

Frequent flyers reaping extra benefits

Members of Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club programme will be able to receive 50 per cent more Flying Club miles when they fly premium economy before the end of March.

The offer is open to those purchasing a full fare premium economy return ticket and is valid for each flight taken until March 31.

Virgin's Flying Club is split into three different membership levels: red, silver and gold. Members are able to spend their miles on flights with Virgin Atlantic (a calculator facility on the airline website shows how many you'll need for a specific trip) or with partner companies including Singapore Airlines, Hyatt Hotels and Avis car rental.

Virgin to employ more in-flight beauty therapists

Long-haul airline Virgin Atlantic is set to recruit 100 more in-flight beauty therapists, in order to meet this year's expansion plans.

In-flight beauty therapists have been onboard Virgin Atlantic flights since the airline began flying to Los Angeles in 1990. Entrepreneur Jane Breeden approached Richard Branson in 1989 with the idea of giving passengers massages and the service became a big success.

As the airline's network expands to include flights to Chicago, Nairobi and Mauritius this year, Virgin is looking to add "more stars to our impressive team". The beauty treatments are free in Upper Class (business class) and are now available on all return flights leaving Heathrow.

Branson plans global budget airline

Sir Richard Branson is in discussions to create a global low-cost airline that could operate flights from the UK to Malaysia for as little as £43.

The founder of Virgin Atlantic is looking to team up with Malaysian airline AirAsia, the foremost low-cost airline in the fast-expanding Asia region. Tickets may be offered at between £43 and £365, depending on when they are booked. A further £40 would be added to this price in tax, and other charges may apply too, but the passengers could still make huge savings on the 6,550-mile UK to Malaysia route.

Flights could operate from Manchester because Heathrow is seen as prohibitively expensive, and an operation may also begin between Manchester and Amritsar in India.

Virgin Atlantic link from London to Nairobi

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will be launching a daily service between Heathrow and Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, from June 1, 2007.

Flights from Heathrow will depart at 7.15pm and will arrive in Nairobi the following day at 6.05am. The return flight leaves Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 8.20am and will arrive at 2.55pm into London Heathrow.

Sir Richard Branson, chairman Virgin Atlantic, said: “Nairobi is Virgin Atlantic’s fourth service to the African continent and it is expanding at a vast rate.

Virgin Atlantic defends 'starting grids'

Virgin Atlantic this week rolled out "starting grids", an aircraft towing scheme aimed to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions.

The grids are effectively holding areas built close to runways and the idea is that planes are towed to and from these areas to save energy and minimise the environmental impact.

But the scheme has not been universally popular, with some claiming that it is a fundamentally flawed idea.

Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic win business awards in US

Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic have emerged as winners in a survey conducted by Business Traveler magazine.

The Readers' Choice Best in Business Travel survey randomly samples the subscriber base of Business Traveler, a US publication that is "devoted to the needs of the travel industry's most active customers".

Singapore Airlines took the top honour, named the Best Overall Airline in the World. It also won the awards for Best Airline for International Travel, Best Economy Class in the World and Best Business Class Cuisine.

New 'mile high' snack bar for Virgin flights

A new snack bar has been specially designed to be eaten at high altitude on Virgin Atlantic flights.

The Mile High Bar from Eat Natural, which has made its debut on selected Virgin Atlantic routes, contains strong flavours because taste buds do not work so well at high altitudes. It contains cranberries, walnuts and goji berries and will also give passengers a slow release of energy on flights.

It has been created for Virgin Atlantic's premium economy class and will eventually be made available at shops in and near airports.

New connection to Chicago from Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic has announced a new route from London Heathrow to Chicago, as well as a second daily service between Heathrow and Washington.

The daily service to Chicago O'Hare will begin on April 23, 2007. Flight VS039 will take off from London at 11.15am, touching down in the Windy City at 2.10pm. Coming back, flight VS040 will depart at 6pm and arrive in London at 8am the following morning. All flights will feature Virgin's Upper Class Suite and the new Premium Economy seat will be available on all flights from June.

Chicago will become Virgin Atlantic's 28th global destination and its tenth in the US. The route is very popular and is already served by carriers including British Airways and United Airlines.

Virgin Atlantic to begin fuel-saving trial

Virgin Atlantic is to begin towing aircraft to take-off areas as part of a plan to save on fuel burn and cut emissions.

Throughout December, Virgin will begin test trials at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, towing Boeing 747-400 planes to "starting grids" where they will only need to start their engines ten minutes before take-off.

The airline's founder Sir Richard Branson originally announced the scheme back in September (see Branson proposes emission-cutting scheme), saying it would reduce on-the-ground fuel consumption by more than half at certain airports.

Virgin Atlantic to cease London to Nassau flights

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it is to cease its direct weekly flights from London to Nassau in the Bahamas.

The carrier cited insufficient take-up of tickets for the move, which will come into effect from March 17, 2007.

However, Virgin will continue to offer holiday programmes in the Bahamas through Virgin Holidays, and passengers wishing to travel to Nassau still have the option of flying with Virgin Atlantic to Miami and then taking an onward flight.

Virgin launches Upper Class fare sale

Book by November 30: Virgin Atlantic is offering sale tickets in Upper Class to celebrate the release of the latest Bond film, Casino Royale.

Fly from London to destinations in Asia and the US:

Delhi from £1,226 (travel December 24 to January 31)
Mumbai from £1,226 (travel January 1 to January 31)
Dubai from £1,129 (travel