Virgin Atlantic Airways announced that it will launch direct services between London and Mauritius.This new service will bring the airline’s total number of destinations to twenty-eight by November 2007.

Services between London Gatwick and Mauritius will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays on a Boeing 747-400 aircraft from November 2007.

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic, said:

“Due to overwhelming demand from leisure passengers, Virgin Atlantic will be expanding to Mauritius next year. This new route shows that we are continuing to build a long-haul network with the ideal mix of business and leisure routes for today’s traveller. This beautiful island will be our first entry into the Indian Ocean and the launch of services will lead to increased competition, better value for money and quality of service.

“I am also pleased that Virgin Holidays is continuing to grow and expand its wonderful range of destinations. It’s great that Virgin Holidays holidaymakers can fly direct to Mauritius with Virgin Atlantic, giving them the full Virgin experience from the moment they step on the plane until their feet hit the sand!”

Amanda Wills, Virgin Holidays’ Managing Director, commented:

“Mauritius has shown enormous potential for Virgin Holidays and huge popularity with our customers. Our new 2007 Worldwide brochure reflects this with 14 pages dedicated to holidays on this beautiful Indian Ocean island. Virgin Atlantic’s new service will enhance this offering even further and contribute to the wide choice and flexibility that our brochure offers.”

“With 21 years’ experience in making great holidays we’re delighted with the range of romantic wedding and honeymoon destinations, relaxing spa centres and elegant hotels that we are able to offer in Mauritius. Our guests will be spoilt for choice by the range of top class hotels, fine dining opportunities, excellent water sports, great kids’ clubs and world-class golf courses on this tropical paradise.”

Virgin Atlantic will fly to Mauritius on Mondays and Fridays. The route will be operated by a Boeing 747-400 with a configuration of 14 Upper Class seats, 58 Premium Economy seats and 379 Economy seats.

All flights to Mauritius will be operated on aircraft fitted with the Upper Class Suite. The Upper Class Suite consists of a reclining leather seat for take off, a place to sit and eat a proper meal opposite your partner, the longest fully flat bed in the world with a proper mattress for sleeping on, a private onboard bar to drink at with your friends, a private massage room and four limousines per return trip.
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