VIRGIN ATLANTIC INTRODUCES LONDON-LAGOS SERVICES

Virgin Atlantic Airways has began operating services between London and Lagos. The special inaugural flight touched down in Lagos in traditional Virgin style. During his trip, Sir Richard Branson will be visiting President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abuja, who has been instrumental in clearing the path for Virgin’s new services.

Commenting from Lagos, Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, said :

“It has been a long-held ambition of mine to fly to Nigeria and I am delighted that Virgin Atlantic is at last able to serve Lagos, a route which has been crying out for competition for such a long time. The introduction of Virgin Atlantic flights means passengers will now be able to benefit from our competitive fares and also from the award winning service and innovative approach Virgin is renowned for.

“We would never have been able to break into the Nigerian market without the help of the Nigerian President, the Vice President, the Minister for Civil Aviation and the High Commissioner in London and I would like to thank them all for making this possible.

“Nigeria is making great strides towards its aims of re-establishing its international position and developing its economy. I hope Virgin Atlantic’s new services between London and Lagos help Nigeria achieve these goals.

“Virgin Atlantic is often the platform for the expansion of other Virgin companies and I hope that I will revisit Nigeria in the near future to launch services and products from other Virgin companies.”

Peter Barry, Nigerian Country Manager for Virgin Atlantic, said:

“I am delighted to join Virgin at such an exciting time and I am looking forward to working for such a well respected brand. The Heathrow -Lagos service is key to expanding Virgin Atlantic’s business route network and I am sure it will be important to Virgin’s continuing success.

“Virgin Atlantic is known throughout the industry for its distinctive products and services. Once the route is established passengers travelling will not only experience Virgin’s unique inflight beauty therapy and onboard bar but also benefit from innovations such as Twilight Check-in – where passengers can check-in the evening before their departure from the comfort of their hotel in Lagos.”

Virgin Atlantic will begin by offering services four times a week with an aim to offer daily Boeing 747 services on the route as soon as possible. Lagos is Virgin Atlantic’s 22nd destination worldwide and its third route serving Africa along with Johannesburg and Cape Town. Last month Virgin Atlantic began daily services to Toronto from London Gatwick.