Virgin Atlantic ramps up Manchester Airport services with new US routes

Virgin Atlantic has revealed plans to expand its programme at Manchester Airport with new flights to the US.

The firm has today (March 30) announced direct services to Boston and San Francisco, as well as additional flights to Barbados.

Starting in Summer 2017, the new routes will be run alongside Virgin Atlantic’s joint venture partner, US carrier Delta Air Lines.

The expansion marks the first time an airline has offered direct flights between Manchester and San Francisco, with the service set to operate three times per week. The Boston route, meanwhile, will operate twice weekly.

Virgin Atlantic’s EVP of commercial, Erik Varwijk, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our customers these two new direct flights to the USA from Manchester Airport.

“In addition to our current services to Atlanta, Las Vegas, Orlando and Barbados, the new routes to San Francisco and Boston really open up America for our customers.”

He added: “This year marks twenty years of our first ever flight from Manchester and we’ll continue to look for opportunities to offer our unique experience on routes where our customers are looking to fly.”

Through Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines at Manchester Airport, business travellers and holidaymakers in the North West are also able to fly to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Additionally, Delta’s domestic network allows customers to connect to more than 200 destinations in the US.

Both the San Francisco and the Boston services will use the A330 aircraft.

In addition to the new US flights, Virgin Atlantic has also announced a codeshare with British carrier Flybe, through which it will offer increased travel options from Europe and the UK.

The managing director of Manchester Airport, Ken O’Toole, commented: “Securing the first ever direct flight between Manchester and San Francisco is a significant moment for a number of reasons.

“Firstly, it gives the 22m passengers living within two hours of Manchester Airport yet another great long haul destination to choose from and it is sure to prove popular with leisure travellers.

“Secondly, it will deliver a deliver a real boost to the North’s economy by providing a direct link to the world’s leading location for tech and biomedical start-ups, which is now home to some of the biggest brands on the planet, like Google, Twitter and Uber.”

He continued: “It is also pleasing to see Virgin announce a direct route to Boston, as well as increased frequency on its existing Barbados service and a codeshare agreement with Flybe.

“This will mean passengers from across the UK and Europe will be able to connect onto Virgin long haul flights at Manchester Airport, cementing its position as the North of England’s main gateway to the world.”

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