Virgin Atlantic to launch extra services to Las Vegas

Virgin Atlantic Airways is to increase its services to Las Vegas with the addition of a fourth weekly service from Gatwick every Wednesday from March 17 2004. The airline has also introduced a ‘gambling masterclass’ in its Gatwick Clubhouse and onboard Las Vegas flights as an extra service for passengers travelling to the destination.

The ‘gambling masterclass’ will be available in the Gatwick Clubhouse during November while passengers are waiting for their flight to Las Vegas on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Top tips on Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette and Dice will be provided by a croupier who has been specially flown over from MGM MIRAGE, the largest resort operator in Las Vegas and owners of Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York New York, The Mirage and Treasure Island. The service will also be available for Upper Class passengers travelling to Las Vegas onboard the flight on 25th November.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic said:

“Virgin Atlantic is always looking at innovative ways to enhance the service we provide for passengers. We believe that the Gambling Masterclass will go down very well with our Upper Class passengers and hopefully improve their chances in the casinos during their stay.

“I am also delighted to announce the fourth direct weekly service to Las Vegas for spring 2004. Since introducing the first ever direct scheduled service between London and Las Vegas in June 2000 Virgin Atlantic has carried over 300,000 passengers on the route and we are certain its popularity will continue with both business and leisure passengers.

The new Wednesday flights will depart Gatwick at 10.45, arriving into McCarran International Airport at 13.30 between 17 March and 24 March 2004. From 31 March until 6 October 2004 flights will depart Gatwick 12.30 and arrive in Las Vegas at 15.15.

From 17 March until 24 March 2004 flights will depart Las Vegas at 16.05 arriving at Gatwick at 09.55 the next morning. From 31 March until 6 October 2004 flights will depart Las Vegas at 17.45 and arrive into Gatwick at 10.35 the next morning. The Boeing 747-400 operating this route is configured with 28 Upper Class, 38 Premium Economy and 373 Economy seats.

Virgin Atlantic flies to 22 destinations worldwide, and presently operates a three weekly service between London and Las Vegas, departing Gatwick on Tuesdays at 11.15 and arriving in Las Vegas at 14.00, also departing on Thursdays and Sundays at 10.45 and arriving at 13.30. Flights depart from Las Vegas on Tuesdays at 16.30 arriving into Gatwick 10.20 the next morning, and at 16.05 on Thursdays and Sundays, arriving at 09.55 the next morning.