Virgin Atlantic to launch first domestic service - London Heathrow-Manchester - in Mar-2013

Virgin Atlantic announced (20-Aug-2012) plans to launch three times daily London Heathrow-Manchester service on 31-Mar-2013 using A319 equipment - see Route Changes Table for more information. The service will be Virgin Atlantic's first domestic service and will also serve as a feeder into its international services from London Heathrow. The airline plans to apply for all of the remedy slots being awarded by the European Commission as part of the conditions for International Airlines Group (IAG) takeover of bmi. Virgin Atlantic believes competition on London Heathrow-Manchester route has been "neglected in the remedy process" and the service will offer an alternative to British Airways' existing service. Virgin Atlantic CEO Steve Ridgway said, "Flying between Heathrow and Manchester is just the start for Virgin Atlantic's new short haul operation.... Operating a London to Manchester route will provide an invaluable feed to our existing long haul network for both business and leisure passengers. It is the perfect introduction to short haul flights for Virgin Atlantic." [more - original PR]