Virgin starts flights to Nairobi
Virgin Atlantic’s first flight to Kenya arrived in Nairobi this morning,
welcomed by
the Vice President of Kenya. This is the first of the airline’s daily
flights to the
region, which will bring in a quarter more visitors to the region in the
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first year of
operation, with an estimated economic benefit of $100m over the coming 12
months to the Kenyan economy with an additional impact of up to three times
that
amount on the broader Kenyan community. As Kenya is such an important
worldwide exporter Virgin Atlantic also aims to carry tens of millions of
dollars
worth of Kenyan agricultural exports each year.
Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, commented:
“I am really pleased that Virgin Atlantic is now serving Nairobi, the
airline’s fourth African destination which is not only an important
city in its own right, but also the gateway for the whole of East
Africa and the Indian Ocean.
“Kenya is a wonderful country with much to offer visitors from the
busy, vibrant capital city of Nairobi to the wealth of almost
unbeatable game reserves and wildlife and world famous beach resorts
like Mombasa. I predict that its popularity will continue to grow,
aided by Virgin Atlantic’s daily services which offer passengers more
flexibility and value for money.
“Virgin Atlantic is delighted to launch Nairobi as our 28th
destination and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the
Kenyan Government and the Kenyan people for their support. The
Kenyan Tourist Board has also played a key role in ensuring it was
possible for Virgin Atlantic to begin its direct daily service so we
are grateful for all of its help.”
Hon Dr.A.A. Moody Awori EGH, MP, Vice-President of Kenya, welcomed the
aircraft and said:
“On behalf of the people of Kenya, I am delighted to welcome Virgin
Atlantic and Sir Richard Branson. The new service will not only
further boost Kenya’s links with the UK, which are already strong,
but also contribute to an expanding Kenyan economy through greater
visitor numbers. We look forward to many happy years together.”
Mike Higgins, Regional Manager Africa for Virgin Atlantic, commented:
“The whole team and I are really proud to see our first flight arrive
today and we look forward to offering Virgin Atlantic’s
world-renowned service to passengers on the London-Nairobi route.
Nairobi is a hub for the whole region and so our flight schedule will
seamlessly connect with many flights to neighbouring countries like
Uganda and Tanzania along with connections to the whole of East
Africa. Additionally the flights will link up in London with Virgin
Atlantic’s extensive services to ten key US gateways particularly New
York and Washington.”
Virgin Atlantic Airways daily services will be operated by an Airbus
A340-300 aircraft with 240 seats onboard -34 Upper Class, 35 Premium
Economy and 171 Economy.
Flights from Nairobi will depart at 08:15 from Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport and will arrive at 14:50 into London Heathrow Airport. Return
flights will depart from Heathrow at 19:15 and will arrive in Nairobi the
following day at 06:05.
Virgin Atlantic’s new Upper Class Suite, consists of a reclining leather
seat for take off, a place to sit and eat a three course 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 and a
private massage zone - all at a price thousands of pounds less than other
airlines’ First Class. The Upper Class experience also includes a Drive
Thru Check In facility and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow, the
restaurant style inflight Freedom menu and a state-of-the-art inflight
entertainment system.
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