Virgin Atlantic has opened its new Upper Class Wing at Heathrow Airport Terminal 3.

The facility, officially opened by the Spice Girls this week, enables the airline's business class, premium economy and economy passengers to take advantage of a variety of services designed to speed up the check-in process.

According to the airline, its business class check-in service is the quickest in the world, with travellers potentially able to go from their limo to the airport lounge in a matter of minutes.

Meanwhile, economy and premium economy customers can now make use of a new check-in area that features self-service kiosks - a facility that Virgin said is expected to become more popular over the next 12 months.

"Our fast and fresh new terminal at Heathrow signals the rebirth of Heathrow Airport," commented Virgin president Sir Richard Branson.

"The redevelopment means that we can offer our passengers a world-class facility we can be proud of."

Virgin offers a range of economy and business class flights to Dubai, Sydney, Washington, Cape Town and Tokyo, among other destinations.

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