Dubai's aviation landscape is set for a significant boost with the return of UK-based Virgin Atlantic, following the announcement of a partnership with dnata.
This collaboration paves the way for the airline's renewed presence in the region, with a focus on expanding its connectivity to key destinations in India.
Virgin Atlantic unveiled plans for two new direct flight routes to prominent Indian cities, Bengaluru and Mumbai. The inaugural flight from London's Heathrow airport to Bengaluru has already taken off, marking the commencement of this endeavor. Meanwhile, the second daily flight to Mumbai is scheduled to commence operations in October 2024, as outlined in a recent media release.
These new routes signify a substantial expansion of Virgin Atlantic's service offerings to India, with the Mumbai flight becoming the airline's fifth daily service to the country. Operating on the advanced 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, these flights will provide passengers with a range of travel options, including Upper Class, Premium, and Economy categories, alongside the airline's distinctive Upper Class social space.
Moreover, the strategic positioning of these routes at London Heathrow will facilitate seamless connectivity for travelers, particularly those connecting to and from North American destinations such as Seattle, San Francisco, and New York JFK, through Virgin Atlantic's partnership with Delta Air Lines.
Virgin Atlantic emphasized its long-term commitment to India, citing a remarkable 350% capacity growth since 2019. By 2025, the airline aims to offer over one million seats to the country, underscoring India's significance as a pivotal market outside the United States. This expansion is poised to not only enhance passenger services but also contribute significantly to cargo operations, particularly in sectors like fashion, pharmaceuticals, and technology.
The cargo division of Virgin Atlantic is set to experience a substantial surge in capacity, with over 40 million kg of space to and from India, representing a remarkable 336% increase compared to 2019 figures. Furthermore, in addition to its direct services to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Virgin Atlantic has strategically aligned itself with IndiGo, India's largest airline, further fortifying its presence in the region.
Virgin Atlantic's reentry into the Dubai market, facilitated by its partnership with dnata, heralds a new era of connectivity and growth, particularly with the expansion of its services to key Indian cities. This development underscores the airline's commitment to providing enhanced travel experiences and fostering stronger ties with its global partners.
