United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Branson plans business class-only carrier
Virgin Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson has unveiled plans for an all business class tansatlantic carrier.
It plans to operate under the Virgin Atlantc name on routes to New York and other US cities from Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Amserdam and Zurich after the EU-US open skies agreement comes into force next March.
The start-up would need £350-million worth of new aircraft and discussions have started with manufacturers about supplying narrow-body jets.
Virgin is reportedly interested in 15 aircraft to operate the new routes.
Branson said while on the launch of a daily London-Nairobi service: “We feel now is the right time to launch such a service. It would provide more choice and better quality value for customers who want to travel on a business-only carrier at exceptional value.
“Open skies enables us to compete in this area and we will be very competitive in terms of price.”
The plan would pitch Virgin against existing long haul business class carriers such as MaxJet and Eos from Stansted and Silverjet from Luton.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike