VIRGIN ATLANTIC READY FOR TAKE OFF TO DELHI ON 5 JULY

Virgin Atlantic Airways today announced that its twice weekly non-stop scheduled services between London and Delhi will commence from Heathrow on July 5.

Delhi is one of the most important routes from London Heathrow currently not served by Virgin Atlantic and registered almost half a million passengers last year. Virgin Atlantic will operate between London and Delhi through a codeshare agreement with Air India.

Commenting on the news, Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways, said:

“It’s long been my ambition to see Virgin fly between London and Delhi and I’d like to thank the Indian Government and Air India who have been vital in turning this dream into reality. India’s massive economic and tourist potential has been constrained by the current level of frequencies. I’m confident that by adding these new services both Virgin Atlantic and Air India will prosper.”

Under the terms of the agreement these London-Delhi flights be operated by a Virgin Atlantic 747 and will carry both Virgin Atlantic and Air India flight numbers. Both airlines will sell seats on these services in competition with one another. The codeshare agreement does not apply to services operated by Air India.

Following the launch of services to Las Vegas on 8 June and Delhi on 5 July, the total number of destinations Virgin Atlantic serves will be 20.

Fares go on sale today and start from £556 return for travel during July.

Virgin Atlantic will operate services from London Heathrow to Delhi from 5 July. The flights will be operated by a Boeing 747 aircraft and will depart London Heathrow on Wednesdays and Fridays at 22.30 arriving in Delhi at 11.35 the next day. The return flights depart Delhi on Thursdays and Saturdays at 14.05, arriving at Heathrow at 18.25. These are days on which Air India does not currently operate services. A third weekly flight is planned to operate from this October.