After a six-year break Virgin Atlantic is to return to Chicago next year. A daily flight from Heathrow will be introduced on Monday 23 April 2007 operated by an Airbus A340. From the following Tuesday the airline will double its Washington operation for the summer season, currently a single flight.
Virgin flew between London and Chicago from November 1999 until October 2001, the service being withdrawn due to the severe downturn in passenger numbers after 9/11.
Chicago now becomes Virgin Atlantic's 28th destination worldwide, and the airline”s 10th US gateway. Last year 1.86m travellers flew between Heathrow and Chicago, making the US city the third busiest destination from London for long haul travellers after New York”s JFK and Dubai. Virgin will be in competition with American Airlines, British Airways and United Airlines (who recently abandoned their Heathrow ” New York service).
Virgin Atlantic's capacity to the United States will increase by around 15% with the daily Chicago and second daily Washington services, demonstrating the enormous popularity of these transatlantic routes.
Virgin Atlantic chairman Sir Richard Branson said: ”We can't wait to fly to Chicago, the third biggest destination to the US from London, with nearly 2m passengers travelling between the two cities each year. With its mix of business hotels and conference centres, and extensive festivals and events, Chicago is the ideal location for our business and leisure travellers.
”Our award winning Upper Class Suite will be flying on all Chicago flights and the new Premium Economy seat, which is wider than BA”s Club World seat, will be on all flights from June, so passengers are guaranteed the best premium services to and from the Windy City!”