Virgin Atlantic has launched a new direct service to Austin, Texas from London Heathrow.
The first flight to Texas arrived on 8 June with Sir Richard Branson on board, greeted by Mr Mookie Patel, Chief Business and Finance Officer, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the cabin crew.
Flights to Texas from Heathrow are now available four times a week on the airline’s 787-9 aircraft with return economy fares starting from £516 per person.
This is Virgin Atlantic’s first new route to the US since 2017, said the airline in a statement.
Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic and Founder of Virgin Group said: “It’s an honour to be here to welcome Virgin Atlantic’s very first flight to Austin.
“They say everything is bigger in Texas and I’ve found that to be true with the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and innovation that has emerged from this great city.
“We are looking forward to providing a stronger connection between Austin and London.
“We are already seeing a lot of interest from people in the UK wanting to visit Austin and vice versa! Austin is a fantastic addition to Virgin Atlantic’s route network.”
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic commented: “Seeing our aircraft touch down in Austin today fills me with great pride and is a momentous occasion as it represents Virgin Atlantic’s new phase of growth.
“Austin is our first new US route since 2017 and we know its impressive food, arts and music scene has already caught the eye of our customers.
“We’ve seen a huge demand for bookings and as a result, we’re happy to confirm that the route will increase to a daily service from Spring 2023.
“There are so many synergies between Virgin Atlantic and the city of Austin.
“We love the philosophy and desire to celebrate local brands, businesses and communities and we’re delighted to welcome customers, both existing and new onboard, to explore this fabulously quirky city.”
Mookie Patel, Chief Business and Finance Officer at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport said: “AUS is thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic to Austin and Central Texas.
“This exciting new partnership is reflective of our airport’s continued recovery from the impacts of the pandemic and furthers our commitment to being the ‘Gateway of Central Texas’ for both leisure and business travellers.
“This type of investment in our airport, offering more nonstop services to sought-after destinations such as London, is an important and powerful investment in our community – it gives an Austinite more chances to travel to global destinations, experience new cultures and places, and connect with loved ones and meet new people.”
For further information and to book, visit www.virginatlantic.com.
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