Virgin Atlantic has outlined plans to launch a domestic flying programme within the UK from spring 2013. The airline will be adding 24 domestic flights a day within the UK to its existing long haul network that will strengthen connectivity for its Indian passengers from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Punjab. The move will also create more than 150 new jobs in the UK. Sir Richard Branson’s airline has confirmed that it will take up nine of the 12 daily pairs of Heathrow slots which British Airways has to give up to ensure that consumers again have an alternative on key routes previously competed by bmi.
Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive, Virgin Atlantic said, “The new schedule will suit Indian passengers as they can now continue to travel within the UK on their preferred airline within less than two hours of arriving at London Heathrow whilst benefitting from an equally convenient return journey. The timings will also give the most attractive offering to passengers travelling direct between London and the UK regions, with flights spread at key points throughout the day including morning arrivals into Heathrow to give business travellers a full day in the capital and an early morning departure from London to Edinburgh for business visits to the Scottish capital.”
