Virgin has confirmed that its new domestic airline, set to launch at the end of the month, will be called Little Red.

The carrier will launch on March 31st in Manchester, on April 5th in Edinburgh and April 9th in Aberdeen.

Initially the airline will offer four daily round-trips between London Heathrow and Manchester, six daily round-trips to Edinburgh and three daily round-trips to Aberdeen.

Virgin hopes Little Red will grow to rival British Airways, providing short-haul connections for long-haul Virgin Atlantic routes.

Richard Branson, president, Virgin Atlantic, said: “Virgin Atlantic has been on an incredible journey since we started with a single plane 29 years ago.

”Little Red represents the next step on that journey as we go head to head with British Airways to provide domestic flights that deliver Virgin Atlantic’s rock and roll spirit as well as real value for money.

”The European Commission recognised that a British Airways monopoly would be undeniably bad for consumers and Virgin Atlantic Little Red will stop British Airways dominating routes and driving higher prices.”

Customers will be allowed 23kg luggage check-in, pre-assigned seats, complimentary snacks and drinks and hot breakfasts on early morning flights.