Virgin Atlantic Airways today announced that it plans to launch direct weekly services between London Gatwick and Tobago and Grenada from May 2003 and is also planning to launch a weekly Manchester å- Barbados service in Winter 2003.  In addition to these new routes the airline will also expand its existing services between Gatwick and Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua.
Commenting on the announcement, Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic said today: `I am delighted that Vigin Atlantic is extending the services it offers between the UK and the Caribbean. Passengers travelling to Grenada and Tobago will now be able to benefit fromVirgin`s
Virgin`s award winning service and attractive fares`
The new weekly service from London Gatwick to Tobago and then onto Grenada will depart on Monday mornings and will be operated by a Boeing 747. The return service will depart both islands on Monday evenings and arrive into London Gatwick early on Tuesdays. The airline currently operates daily flights to the Caribbean and by Winter 2003 this will have increased to twice daily. 
Judith Wilcox, Regional Manager Caribbean, Virgin Atlantic commented:
“These new Virgin Atlantic routes mean a projected annual economic benefit to Tobago and Grenada of more than US$5 million in increased jobs, trade and tourism. We look forward to a long and positive relationship with the islands.”

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