Virgin Atlantic has launched its second daily service to Washington Dulles International Airport.  The additional service will operate from 24 April until 27 October 2007 to offer increased frequency and more capacity throughout the summer season.  The new service will complement the airline’s existing daily Washington flight by offering passengers more choice and flexibility giving them more opportunity to choose Virgin for business flights to Washington or to take advantage of the favourable pound/dollar exchange rate in the US capital’s hotels, restaurants and shopping malls.

The airline first launched its daily service from London Heathrow airport to Washington Dulles International airport in June 1996 and has carried nearly two million passengers.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, said

“Virgin Atlantic is pleased to announce this additional seasonal service and we are happy that we will be able to offer our passengers more flexibility this summer.  We have operated to Washington for over ten years and are confident that with our award winning Upper Class Suite, and New Premium Economy cabin, which is favoured by business and leisure passengers alike, we will remain the market leader offering passengers more than any other airline.

“This new service gives Virgin Atlantic passengers the best possible schedule.  They can choose the existing morning departure from Heathrow to Washington, or wait until the late afternoon to leave London after a day’s work.  On the return, our new late evening departure from Washington will suit the determined lobbyist who can have dinner on the Hill and still catch an overnight flight back to London.”

The new flight will be operated by an Airbus A340-300 aircraft which is fitted with the award-winning Upper Class Suite which offers passengers a reclining leather seat for take off, a place to sit and eat a proper meal opposite their partner, the longest fully flat bed with a proper mattress for sleeping on, a private onboard bar to drink at with friends. 

Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy cabin has recently been revamped and now has a new wider seat - the largest in its class.  The seat, which is currently being rolled out across the fleet, combines a 38” seat pitch with a width of 21”, which is wider than BA Clubworld and around 3” wider than other airlines’ Premium Economy products.  Premium Economy passengers also benefit from dedicated cabin crew, a redesigned meal service, dedicated amenity kit, soft fleece blanket and a fruitbowl service, which they can help themselves to throughout the flight.

The new flight VS055 will depart from London Heathrow at 17.30 and arrive in at Washington Dulles Airport at 20.55 and the VS056 will return from Washington Dulles International at 23.10 and arrive London Heathrow at 1135 the following day.  The existing flight VS021 departs London Heathrow at 11.30 arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport at 14.40 and VS022 returns from Washington Dulles International Airport at 18.40 arriving into London Heathrow at 07.05 the following day.
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