Virgin to launch first UK domestic service
Virgin Atlantic will launch London to Manchester flights from March 2013 in its first foray into the UK domestic market.
The airline will operate three daily flights to Manchester using Airbus A319 aircraft from March 31.
The airline says the move signals the start of a new network, providing regional feed to its long haul service and a key point to point service.
Virgin will use some of its existing slots to service the Manchester to London route.
Chief executive Steve Ridgway said: "Flying between Heathrow and Manchester is just the start for Virgin Atlantic’s new short haul operation.
"We have the means to connect thousands of passengers to our long haul network as well as to destinations served by other carriers.
"Our new service will provide strong competition to omnipresent BA; keep fares low and give consumers a genuine choice of airline to fly to Heathrow and beyond."
Manchester is a key regional airport with over 65% of passengers to London connecting onwards to other destinations.
"Operating a London to Manchester route will provide an invaluable feed to our existing long haul network for both business and leisure passengers," added Ridgway.
Virgin is expected to launch more new services on the back of its application for all of the remedy slots being awarded by the European Commission following the IAG takeover of bmi.
by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026