Virgin Atlantic has announced it will be offering a fifth weekly service from London Heathrow to Vancouver in the peak months of summer 2014.

To meet high demand for travel to one of Virgin Atlantic’s newest destinations, Sir Richard Branson’s airline is introducing a fifth weekly service to Vancouver – resulting in more than 2,000 additional seats to and from the Canadian city across the peak summer months.

New for next summer, there will be flights on Sundays from May to August to meet passenger demand for this popular day for travel, while flights will also operate on a Wednesday from July to September resulting in five weekly return trips in the height of the season.

Virgin Atlantic has seen strong demand throughout the summer months to Vancouver and passenger numbers travelling to British Columbia increased by 15 per cent between 2012 and 2013.

To meet this growing demand, the airline will carry up to 1,300 passengers to Vancouver a week this summer.

Edmond Rose, director of airline planning, Virgin Atlantic, commented: “The North American market has always been at the core of our business.

“Our Vancouver service was launched in 2012 and has been proving popular since its inaugural with demand remaining high throughout the summer months.

“Since its launch we’ve flown 17,214 passengers to Vancouver.

“We currently run a seasonal service four times a week from London Heathrow to Vancouver and we are delighted at its popularity.

“To meet this demand we have taken the decision to introduce a fifth weekly service next summer, resulting in a strong increase in the number of seats available for holiday makers looking for a getaway to British Columbia.”