Virgin Atlantic Opens Direct Route from London Heathrow to the Maldives
Thursday 2nd of November 2023
In a momentous milestone, Virgin Atlantic inaugurated its latest direct flight route, linking London Heathrow to the Maldives. The maiden flight, operated by Virgin Atlantic, graced Velana International Airport early in the morning at 07:40 am local time, marking the dawn of an exciting new era in air travel between the United Kingdom and the Maldives. Passengers were welcomed with the vibrant traditional Maldivian Bodeberu ceremony, featuring captivating cultural dance performances.
This new service is set to operate thrice weekly, utilizing Virgin Atlantic’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft offers a total of 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy Delight, Classic, and Light seats, providing travelers with a range of options to suit their preferences and budgets.
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class offers fully flat beds and an onboard bar, creating an exquisite fine dining experience and an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers. Premium customers can unwind in opulent leather armchairs, featuring a generous 38” seat pitch, and enjoy perks like priority boarding and welcome drinks. Regardless of the chosen cabin class, all passengers will relish complimentary food and beverages, over 300 hours of entertainment, and the warm hospitality of Virgin Atlantic’s renowned cabin crew.
Mr. Mahjoob Shujau, CEO & Managing Director of MACL, expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the significance of this inaugural flight in enhancing air travel connections between the United Kingdom and the Maldives. He looks forward to a prosperous partnership with Virgin Atlantic, aiming to elevate the travel experience for passengers.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, shared his excitement, highlighting their dedication to expanding their winter sun destinations. The launch of this thrice-weekly service strengthens their commitment to providing more opportunities for customers to experience the Maldives, a destination known for its breathtaking beauty.
Caron Rohsler, British High Commissioner to the Maldives, also expressed her delight, emphasizing the importance of this new route for British tourists and the longstanding partnership between the UK Government and the Government of Maldives in airport safety and aviation security.
The Virgin Atlantic Inaugural event witnessed the presence of the British High Commissioner to the Maldives and senior members of MACL, along with senior members of the local agent, Voyages Maldives. This new route promises to fortify the connection between the United Kingdom and the Maldives, offering travelers a remarkable journey to one of the world’s most picturesque destinations.