• Airline enters South America by launching new daily service to São Paulo, Brazil
• India expansion continues with new route to Bengaluru, India (Bangalore)
• Premium sun offering bolstered by return of Manchester to Las Vegas and Heathrow to Dubai, in addition to new routes to the Maldives and Turks & Caicos
• New inter-island flying in the Caribbean reaffirms airline’s commitment to the region, offering locals and holidaymakers island hopping
• Arrival of state-of-the-art new aircraft continues, in parallel with the recruitment of 350 additional award-winning cabin crew

Today, Virgin Atlantic announced the opening of thrilling new routes with all-new planes on three continents. With more than 250,000 total additional seats* across Virgin Atlantic’s network, compared to 2019, customers are expected to benefit from network growth as the airline takes advantage of the ongoing demand for international travel.

By adding a brand-new daily flight from London Heathrow to So Paulo, Brazil, the airline will expand its network of international routes. One of the world’s most populated cities, Sao Paulo, is home to numerous international corporations, giving corporate clients and business visitors the chance to fly in the Virgin Atlantic fashion.

Three new A380 destinations, three continents, one day(Opens in a new browser tab)

Signalling expansion in the country, Bengaluru (Bangalore) will become the airline’s third destination and fourth daily service to India.  Since 2019, Virgin Atlantic has increased capacity to India by 250%, the airline’s largest area of growth outside the United States. Launching in Summer 2024, the addition of this new route means the airline will offer 500,000 seats (total) each year between the UK and India, while its growing codeshare with IndiGo, India’s leading airline, flies to 34 destinations across the country. 

Providing customer connectivity remains a focus, working with a range of world class partners.  Alongside expanded joint venture partners Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM, the airline joined SkyTeam alliance in March 2023, meaning customers benefit from a consistent, seamless customer experience, across 1,000 global destinations in over 170 countries, with a further codeshare announcement with Korean Air since launch.

Virgin Atlantic Fined for Operating Flights in Prohibited Airspace(Opens in a new browser tab)

By the end of 2024, the airline will have received its full order of 12 Airbus A350s, as well as the arrival of a further four A330neos.  To support the operation, 350 additional cabin crew will be recruited to join the airline’s award-winning frontline team in delivering its renowned customer service.

Flights from London Heathrow to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport will operate daily on the airline’s flagship Boeing 787-9, from 13 May 2024.  Flights are set to be on sale from August, with fares starting from £655.  Flights to Bengaluru will operate on Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from 31 March 2024, boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats, as well as the airline’s signature Upper-Class social space. 

The first of two livery designs, branded “a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance,” was unveiled today by Riyadh Air. The livery is being shown on a Boeing 787-9, of which the airline has placed orders for up to 72 (including 39 definite orders and 33 options).

The livery of Riyadh Air features a purple fuselage and a light blue tail painted with the RX logo. As on the Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) livery, the airline’s name is featured at the front of the fuselage in both English and Arabic alongside the Saudi Arabian flag.

5 Facts About Saudi Arabia’s Newest Riyadh Air(Opens in a new browser tab)

Riyadh Air’s CEO , Tony Douglas, stated: “The new airline represents the ambitious aim of Saudi Arabia to be at the center of creating the future of global air travel and be a true disruptor in terms of customer experience.

“To create a smooth travel experience, Riyadh Air’s dedication to its clients will see the merging of digital innovation and genuine Saudi hospitality. Our new 787-9s will serve as a foundation for our global operations, as we build a wider network and connect our passengers to Saudi Arabia and many other destinations around the world, as we position the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, Riyadh Air announced that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has granted it the “RX” airline designator code. We wanted something with a modernist feel and a digital edge, Douglas added. Early 2025 is the anticipated start date for operations. The airline placed an order for 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in March, and up to 150 Boeing 737 Max planes are anticipated to follow soon.

Saudi Arabia intends to order the world’s 5th largest order of Boeing 787 planes(Opens in a new browser tab)

The new airline is anticipated to increase the Kingdom’s non-oil gross domestic product by up to 75 billion riyals and generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, the business plans to move up to five million tonnes of freight each year.

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For anyone wanting to visit Dubai this summer, Emirates has unveiled an interesting new offer. People who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class to or with a stopover in Dubai starting on 22 May through 11 June 2023 will be able to take advantage of a complimentary two-night stay at the 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. Travelers in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can stay one night at the Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai, for free.

This special discount is available for all round-trip tickets to Dubai or for stops lasting more than 24 hours, for travel dates between May 26 and August 31, 2023. Bookings made at least 96 hours prior to the arrival of passengers on emirates.com, through Emirates contact centers or ticket offices, or through participating travel agencies are eligible for the promotion.

Why is Hong Kong giving away 500,000 plane tickets?(Opens in a new browser tab)

The 5* 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, which is located near to Dubai’s famed Museum of the Future, is inspired by traditional Bedouin culture and decor but has been given a contemporary makeover.

Explore the five incredible on-site restaurants and bars to lose yourself in a gourmet adventure that includes anything from North Indian cuisine to Bavarian beer. Travelers wishing to unwind can do so at the Extra Hour Spa, a distinctive rooftop sauna with views of the beautiful city of Dubai.

When visiting Dubai this summer, there is something for every visitor, whether they want to cool off in private pools or have family fun in indoor theme parks and water parks. Dubai offers a range of top-notch experiences for every visitor, from cultural events and beaches bathed in the sunshine to top-notch accommodations and recreational facilities.