Virgin Atlantic to launch fifth weekly service to Shanghai

Virgin Atlantic is to launch a fifth weekly service between London and Shanghai starting on 14 May 2004. This new service follows the successful conclusion of bilateral talks between London and Chinese governments to expand the current air services agreement between the two countries.

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic commented:

"Virgin Atlantic is delighted to introduce a fifth weekly service to Shanghai and we are hoping that by summer 2005 we will be operating a daily service on the route. China is one of the fastest growing economies of the world and is set to become one of the world's largest economies in the next decade.

"When we began the first ever flights between London and Shanghai in 1999 it was a landmark route for us - it was the first time we had gained rights to fly to a destination BA didn't already fly to. Since then we have increased frequencies from two to four a week, the most we were previously allowed to operate, and have flown almost 270,000 passengers."

Chris Humphrey, Virgin Atlantic's Country Manager for China commented:

"Shanghai is developing rapidly as a major world city, and this move by us demonstrates our continuing belief in both the city of Shanghai and in the development of trade and cultural links between the UK and China."

"Adding another service is great news both for the airline and for consumers - more flights mean increased flexibility, choice and ultimately more competitive fares."

The fifth service will depart London on Fridays using an A340-300 aircraft. The VS250 departs Heathrow at 15.40 arriving into Shanghai Pudong Airport at 09.55 the following day. The return flight VS251 departs Shanghai at 12.30 arriving into Heathrow at 17.50.

Virgin Atlantic currently flies four times a week between London Heathrow and Shanghai Pudong Airport. The VS250 departs Heathrow at 16:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays arriving into Shanghai Pudong Airport at 10:15 the following day. The return flight VS251 departs Shanghai at 12:30 arriving into Heathrow at 17:50.