Virgin Atlantic: Route Exchange Carrier

Overview

Virgin Atlantic is a British airline which operates long-haul routes between the United Kingdom and North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia from its main bases at London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Virgin has a smaller base at Manchester Airport.

Fleet

The Virgin Atlantic fleet consists of a wholly widebody long-haul aircraft configured in 3 classes (Upper, Premium Economy, Economy):

• 19 x A340-600
• 13 x B747-400
• 6 x A340-300

A330-300 which are being delivered from 2011 and 787-900s being delivered from 2014.

NETWORK STRATEGY

Virgin Atlantic currently operates 35% of its network from London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic's distribution comes from seat only sales, but also has its own integrated tour operator Virgin Holidays which packages hotel and accommodation along with scheduled flights. Virgin has a strong presence to the US and the Caribbean with triple daily services to JFK and Orlando whilst having a growing focus on the African market.

PERSONNEL

AIRLINE REQUIREMENTS

Costs remain the biggest challenge so that will be a big factor in any discussions with airports. For new routes in particular Virgin is keen for airports to demonstrate the market potential for VAA, key points being how big the local O&D market is (by cabin) and what the respective average yields are. And, given the risks associated with route start ups,Virgin would like to understand how the airport and tourism authorities will work with VAA to grow a sustainable operation. For leisure orientated markets it would be very useful to know information on ground product (i.e number of hotels by category, respective bed stock etc) Virgin Atlantic will be planning for 2012 at Routes in Vancouver.

The above overview was provided by Virgin Atlantic.

To send a proposal to Virgin Atlantic please click on the following link

https://www.routesonline.com/airlines/4789/virgin-atlantic/50/airline-requirements/