KARACHI: Virgin Atlantic on Friday announced it will operate flights from Pakistan to London and Manchester by December 11. The tickets are on sale now. Flying three new routes from Lahore to London Heathrow, Islamabad to London Heathrow and Islamabad to Manchester, subject to applicable regulatory approvals, these new services will operate on one of Virgin Atlantic's newest 787 airliners boasting 31 upper class suites, 35 premium and 192 economy seats.

These new services will open up over 290,000 seats between Pakistan and the UK annually whilst also offering seamless, speedy connections and a consistent long-haul onboard experience for customers travelling from Pakistan to onwards destinations throughout North America, including New York JFK, Los Angeles, Washington, Boston and San Francisco via London Heathrow. Connections to European destinations will also be available through code share and interline partners.

Alex McEwan, commercial manager, Virgin Atlantic, Pakistan, said, "We are excited to open bookings for our first-ever flights to Pakistan. This is a great opportunity to offer travellers from Pakistan even more choice when they travel to UK and connect to USA, experiencing our award-winning service on one of our newest aircraft -- 787 Dreamliner."

Virgin Atlantic will also offer a fast, efficient cargo service presenting new opportunities for companies looking to export and import goods such as fresh produce and textiles between prime markets in the UK and US and Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020