Viva Las Vegas: Virgin Atlantic’s new service to Las Vegas takes off from Manchester airport
Virgin Atlantic marked the launch of its new service from Manchester to Las Vegas today with iconic Las Vegas showgirls and the airline’s cabin crew capturing picture perfect moments with customers at check-in. Flight VS85, on an A350-1000, departed Manchester Airport at 09:50 am local time this morning.
The new service complements the airline’s existing daily flying to Las Vegas from London Heathrow, as the airline expands its network and supports customer demand for premium leisure travel from Manchester and the northwest. Las Vegas continues to be a key destination for British travellers, with the fun and vibrancy of this illuminated playground holding a timeless appeal for holidaymakers wanting to explore an exciting city, discover the Grand Canyon, or even take on a unique road trip along the West Coast. Customers travelling to Las Vegas will also be able to enjoy a truly Virgin experience – booking through Virgin Atlantic Holidays, flying with Virgin Atlantic and staying at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
The new Manchester to Las Vegas route is in addition to the airline’s seasonal winter Barbados service and is the airline’s fourth service from Manchester to the US, building on established services of Orlando, New York, and Atlanta. It is also the only US West Coast flight available from the northwest, offering customers the opportunity to fly direct, as well as enhancing connections for customers in the North, by offering the opportunity to connect to key US destinations, with partner Delta Air Lines.
Dom Kennedy, Senior Vice President at Virgin Atlantic Holidays, commented,
“We’re thrilled to be re-introducing our Manchester to Las Vegas service and its incredible to be here today with all customers as they fly off for a trip of a lifetime.
“This new route is the only US West Coast flight available from the northwest and perfectly complements our existing flying from Manchester to New York, Orlando, Atlanta, and Barbados.
“We know our customers love Las Vegas - there is so much to do in the city from sports and entertainment to world class dining. It’s also the perfect starting point for road trip holidays, for those adventurous travellers looking to explore the US West Coast.
“We can’t wait to offer customers travelling the new route an incredible experience, delivered by our wonderful people.”
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport said:
"Here at Manchester Airport, we're proud to serve the North with an ever-growing route network of more than 200 destinations. Adding Las Vegas with Virgin Atlantic to that list is really exciting.
"Few places sum up the glitz and glamour of international travel like Las Vegas. Giving passengers in the North the opportunity to fly there directly and experience everything it has to offer is a real game-changer.
"But it also makes Manchester Airport the only English airport outside London to offer direct flights to America's west coast, opening up a host of travel opportunities including the bright lights and nightlife of Las Vegas itself, the spectacular scenery of National Parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon as well the Pacific coast, the fascinating cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles and much, much more.
"We're proud to be working with Virgin Atlantic to launch this route and I can't wait to hear about people's travels to this amazing part of the world - Viva Las Vegas!"
Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, added;
“We join with Virgin Atlantic in celebrating this inaugural flight from Manchester to Las Vegas.
“By providing a convenient, nonstop option for visitors originating from northwest England, this new flight will increase access to Las Vegas for UK visitors and will complement the airline’s existing daily service from London Heathrow. The UK is our No. 1 source of overseas visitation, and we are thrilled to welcome this new route to our city.”
The new seasonal summer thrice-weekly service from Manchester to Las Vegas operates on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Customer can enjoy one of Virgin Atlantic’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000 and choose to fly in one of three cabins – Economy Premium of Upper Class which boasts a unique social space. The Booth is perfect for travellers to enjoy afternoon tea together, a spot of wine tasting or simply catching up as they cross the Atlantic. Return Economy flights start from £856.12 per person.
For further information or to book please visit www.virginatlantic.com