Virgin Atlantic targets million seats as it eyes India

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Virgin Atlantic has set a goal to offer 1 million seats on flights to India by 2025, a significant increase from the current 900,000 seats. This expansion plan includes the initiation of daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Bengaluru that commenced on April 1, 2024, and a forthcoming second daily direct flight to Mumbai starting in October 2024. These services aim to complement the airline’s ongoing operations to Delhi and Mumbai, marking a 350 percent increase in capacity since 2019 and positioning India as a critical market for Virgin Atlantic, second only to North America and the Caribbean in terms of seat volume.

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, highlighted the dynamic and rapidly expanding Indian economy, anticipating a surge in demand for international travel from the region. Weiss underscored the significance of the Indian market, noting that the launch of these new services coincides with the airline’s 25th year of operations in India. This expansion will not only enhance passenger travel but also bolster cargo operations, with the airline poised to offer over 40 million kg of cargo space to and from India, significantly aiding the fashion, pharmaceuticals, and tech industries.

Operated by the airline’s 787-9 Dreamliner, the new services will provide a range of travel classes and a unique Upper Class social space, alongside seamless connectivity through London Heathrow to various North American destinations in collaboration with Delta Air Lines. Moreover, a strategic codeshare partnership with IndiGo will facilitate easy connections from various Indian cities to London Heathrow, expanding the airline’s reach within India.

To differentiate itself in a competitive market, Virgin Atlantic is focusing on quality and personalized experiences, planning to significantly increase the number of Indian-based cabin crew to cater more effectively to Indian travelers. Weiss expressed enthusiasm for the competition, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to quality service as a key strategy for success. This expansion by Virgin Atlantic is set to have a profound impact on global airline travel and tourism, offering enhanced connectivity and capacity between India and the UK, and further enriching the global travel ecosystem.

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