Virgin Atlantic has cemented its commitment to the Indian market with a series of exciting developments. This week marked the inaugural flight to Bengaluru, the “startup capital” of India, and the announcement of a second daily service to Mumbai. These strategic moves significantly enhance connectivity options for travelers between the United States and India, solidifying Virgin Atlantic’s position as a major player in this dynamic travel corridor.
Bengaluru Takes Flight: A New Gateway to India
Virgin Atlantic’s new Bengaluru service caters specifically to the growing demand for US-India travel. Passengers flying from major US hubs like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Seattle, and more can now enjoy seamless connections to Bengaluru with average wait times of just one to two hours at London Heathrow. This efficient connection time makes Virgin Atlantic an attractive option for both business travelers seeking swift connections and leisure travelers eager to explore the vibrant city of Bengaluru, India’s third-largest metropolis.
Mumbai Gets a Boost: Second Daily Flight Strengthens Service
The addition of a second daily flight to Mumbai underscores Virgin Atlantic’s unwavering dedication to the Indian market. This new service brings the airline’s total India offerings to five daily flights, including double daily services to Delhi and daily flights to both Bengaluru and Mumbai. This significant increase in capacity reflects Virgin Atlantic’s recognition of India as a key strategic market and its largest growth area outside the United States.
Exponential Growth: Virgin Atlantic’s India Commitment
By 2025, Virgin Atlantic will offer over one million seats to India, a staggering 350% increase from 2019. This remarkable growth trajectory emphasizes the airline’s dedication to the Indian market and positions India as a cornerstone of Virgin Atlantic’s future expansion plans. The capacity increase extends beyond passenger travel, offering a substantial boost to cargo operations as well. Virgin Atlantic Cargo anticipates handling an additional 25,000 tons of cargo – a significant boon for sectors like fashion, pharmaceuticals, and technology. With five daily flights, Virgin Atlantic Cargo will offer a total of 42.1 million kg of space to and from India, representing a staggering 336% increase compared to 2019.
Taking Flight in Comfort and Style: The Virgin Atlantic Experience
Launching on October 27, 2024 (with tickets on sale from April 6, 2024), the second daily Mumbai service will be operated using Virgin Atlantic’s state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Passengers can choose from a variety of cabin options to suit their preferences, including the luxurious Upper Class with its signature social space, the comfortable Premium cabin, and the value-oriented Economy Delight, Classic, and Light cabins. This expansive selection ensures a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for all.
Beyond the comfort of the aircraft itself, Virgin Atlantic prioritizes seamless connectivity and a premium long-haul experience for passengers connecting via London Heathrow. Travelers flying from key US gateways like San Francisco, New York JFK, Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, and Los Angeles can enjoy smooth connections to India in collaboration with Virgin Atlantic and its transatlantic joint venture partner, Delta Air Lines.
Expanding Horizons: Strategic Partnership with IndiGo
Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to India extends beyond its own network. The airline boasts a strategic partnership with IndiGo, India’s leading domestic carrier. This partnership allows passengers to book a single ticket that seamlessly connects them to popular destinations within India, such as Ahmedabad, Goa, and Hyderabad, via major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. This collaboration unlocks access to a total of 36 additional destinations within India and has already facilitated travel for over 80,000 passengers.
A Shared Passion for Travel: Virgin Atlantic’s Vision for India
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm for the future of Indian travel: “There is a huge opportunity for us in India, a nation with a dynamic and fast-growing economy. We anticipate a significant rise in demand for international travel to and from the region. We recognize the shared passion for travel amongst both our customers and our employees, and we have a rich history serving this vibrant destination. Next year marks 25 years of Virgin Atlantic operations in India, and for the first time, we will offer over one million seats to the country via London Heathrow, providing optimal connectivity for US customers flying from key tech hubs like San Francisco and Seattle. The launch of Bengaluru and the doubling of our Mumbai services reaffirm our unwavering commitment to India.
Strategic Growth: Cementing India’s Importance
Virgin Atlantic’s expansion plans highlight India as a crucial market for the airline’s growth outside the United States. By increasing capacity and frequency of flights, Virgin Atlantic aims to cater to the rising demand for international travel to and from India.
Cargo Operations Boost
In addition to passenger services, Virgin Atlantic’s increased flying to Mumbai contributes to a significant boost in cargo operations. The airline anticipates carrying an additional 25,000 tons of cargo, catering to industries such as fashion, pharmaceuticals, and technology.
Enhanced Services: Second Daily Mumbai Flight
Beginning October 27, 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate a second daily service to Mumbai using its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Passengers can experience the airline’s premium cabins, including Upper Class, Premium, and Economy Delight, along with its signature Upper-Class social space.
Premium Long-Haul Experience
The second daily Mumbai service offers a premium long-haul experience for travelers connecting via London Heathrow from key US gateways. With seamless connectivity and partnership with Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic ensures a seamless travel experience.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with IndiGo
Virgin Atlantic’s strategic partnership with IndiGo, India’s leading airline, enhances connectivity beyond Bengaluru and Mumbai. Passengers can book one ticket to access 36 additional destinations in India, including Ahmedabad, Goa, and Hyderabad.
Streamlined Connectivity
The partnership with IndiGo enables travelers to connect seamlessly to various Indian destinations through Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. To date, it has connected over 80,000 customers, offering a convenient and efficient travel experience.
