Virgin announces new JFK flight

Virgin Atlantic is to introduce a new daily service between London Heathrow and New York JFK, increasing its daily departures to New York from five to six.

Launching on July 1st 2006, the additional flight will be Virgin's second daylight flight from New York.

The airline estimates that the new service will allow it to carry an additional 200,000 passengers between London and New York every year, with the flight launched in response to ever-increasing demand on the transatlantic route.

"I am delighted that Virgin Atlantic is increasing its services to New York from five to six services a day," said chief executive Steve Ridgway.

"New York was Virgin Atlantic’s first route and remains our biggest route and as this expansion shows, the demand for travel to the destination continues to go from strength to strength," he said.

The new flight will depart London Heathrow at 18:00 and arrive at JFK at 21:00. Return travel departs New York at 07:30, arriving in Heathrow at 19:10.

Those purchasing Upper Class tickets will be able to take advantage of Virgin's award-winning Upper Class Suite, while Heathrow offers Drive Thru Check In and a new luxury clubhouse.

Virgin Atlantic currently operates flights to 25 destinations across the globe. As from March 27th it will offer flights to Dubai and a Jamaica-bound service launches on July 3rd.

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