Virgin Atlantic has announced a codeshare agreement with regional carrier Flybe.
From April 2 passengers can book tickets to travel from one of 18 UK or European airports, and connect onto a Virgin Atlantic flight at Manchester, Glasgow or Gatwick airports.
Virgin Atlantic’s EVP of commercial Erik Varwijk said the partnership offers opportunities to reach customers looking to travel long-haul from key cities throughout UK and Europe.
“We look forward to offering easy connections to some of our most popular destinations including the US cities of Orlando and Las Vegas,” said Varwijk.
Virgin is also introducing Manchester airport’s first ever direct flights to San Francisco and brand new service to Boston.
The services will start in summer 2017.
Manchester airport managing director Ken O'Toole said: "Securing the first ever direct flight between Manchester and San Francisco is a significant moment for a number of reasons.
“Firstly, it gives the 22m passengers living within two hours of Manchester Airport yet another great long haul destination to choose from and it is sure to prove popular with leisure travellers.
"Secondly, it will deliver a deliver a real boost to the North's economy by providing a direct link to the world's leading location for tech and biomedical start-ups, which is now home to some of the biggest brands on the planet, like Google, Twitter and Uber.”
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