Virgin Atlantic has launched a new service from London Heathrow to Tampa Bay, Florida, which currently operates four times weekly and will be increased to daily from 28 November.
The service is operated by the carrier’s new A330neo aircraft, which includes new Upper Class seats and spacious Retreat Suites. Flights from London will depart at 13:25 and arrive at Tampa at 19:35. Return flights, meanwhile, will depart at 21:50 and arrive in London at 10:15 the following day.
Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss said the inaugural flight on Wednesday (2 November) marked a “significant milestone” in the carrier’s growth after it commenced services to Austin, Texas in June – its first new route to the US since 2017.
“The USA is our heartland and Florida has an important role in our American portfolio, so I’m delighted to be bolstering connectivity to the region with the only direct flight to London Heathrow,” he said.
“It’s also fitting that our new route will enjoy our newest aircraft, the A330neo. This plane has evolved our customer experience, with every traveller receiving a premium experience regardless of the cabin they travel in.”
The aircraft is part of the carrier’s multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation and follows the launch of new corporate products, including a SAF purchase programme for business customers.