Virgin Atlantic flies direct from Manchester to Las Vegas

Virgin Atlantic has launched a new direct flight from Manchester to Las Vegas. The twice-weekly service operates on Thursdays and Sundays, using a Boeing 747-400 aircraft. The route is Virgin Atlantic’s 33rd from the UK and the carrier’s third from Manchester.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, commented:

"We are delighted to be able to announce direct services from Manchester to Las Vegas. The decision to expand our Manchester flying programme underlines Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to flying to long-haul destinations from regional airports in the UK and these Manchester flights will be a great addition to our current services."

Andrew Cornish, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, commented:

"This is a welcome addition to their services to Barbados and Orlando and we're pleased to see another major airline expanding out of Manchester this week. Virgin are a key partner and for them to reaffirm their commitment in a testing marketplace is testament to the strength of the marketplace at Manchester. This is great news for our passengers and further strengthens the airport's long haul route network. We look forward to working with Virgin to make the service a great success."

The additional flights from Manchester mean that Virgin Atlantic now operate 9 flights a week from the UK to this popular and growing leisure destination, famous for its casinos and shows. Since Virgin Atlantic launched flights to Las Vegas from Gatwick in June 2000, it has carried almost 2 million passengers on the route, which now operates daily from Gatwick.

Cathy Tull, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, commented:

"This is another evolution in a partnership that has flourished since its inception a decade ago. Virgin Atlantic's new service into Las Vegas from Manchester is indicative of its long-term confidence in the Las Vegas brand and will provide even more British travellers the accessibility to visit the entertainment capital of the world."

Both the existing service and the new Manchester to Las Vegas route will be operated by a Boeing 747-400 fitted with 14 Upper Class Suites, 58 Premium Economy and 379 Economy seats. The Upper Class Suite consists of a reclining seat for take off, a place to sit and eat a three course meal opposite your partner and a private on board bar to drink at with your friends.

Virgin Atlantic offers a unique product for Premium Economy passengers. Passengers can enjoy a dedicated check-in and priority boarding. Virgin Atlantic’s Economy class continues to offer passengers value for money and added extras like seat back televisions for all passengers with video on demand.

Virgin Atlantic also operates services from Manchester to Orlando and Barbados. In 2009, Virgin Atlantic carried nearly half a million passengers on its Manchester services.

To book a package holiday to Las Vegas visit virginholidays.co.uk.

For flight-only tickets, visit virginatlantic.com.