Virgin Atlantic Celebrates 15 Years of Connecting Washington D.C. and London

Airline Announces Week-Long Sale Fare with Rates Starting at $266

South Norwalk, CT (September 22, 2011) -- Virgin Atlantic Airways is celebrating a milestone birthday today, as it marks 15 years of connecting two of the world’s major hubs – Washington D.C. and London.

“Since launching service to Dulles International Airport in 1996, Virgin Atlantic has flown over 1.9 million passengers between Washington D.C. and London and contributed an estimated $315 million* in visitor spending to the regional economy,” commented Chris Rossi, Senior Vice President, North America, Virgin Atlantic. “Washington D.C. has become a major gateway for Virgin Atlantic and we are honored and privileged to connect the rich histories and cultures of these two iconic capitals, and serve the people of our nation’s capital.”

To celebrate their anniversary in the gateway, Virgin Atlantic is launching a week-long sale fare to and from Dulles International Airport to London Heathrow. With rates starting at $266** one-way, now is the best time to fly to London.

Furthering its commitment to The District, the airline launched the second phase of its first-ever global advertising campaign titled “Get Local.” The campaign features bulletin boards targeting the nation’s power brokers that highlight specific aspects of the Virgin Atlantic flying experience, from complimentary limo service to fully flat beds in Upper Class. For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com/experience.

In the past 15 years, Virgin Atlantic’s fleet has grown to 40 aircraft and a route map of over 30 of the world’s most buzzing and beautiful cities. Last month, the airline announced a $162.9 million (£100m) investment in product development; passengers can expect new offerings both on the ground and in the air in 2012, including new Airbus A330 aircraft.

*Figure based on average tourist spend (Source Washington DC Tourist Board – Destination DC)

**Economy rates are based on round-trip travel. Taxes, fees, restrictions apply.
Booking dates: Now through Sept. 28
One way fare with fuel: $291*
Travel period: Sept. 23 – Oct. 28, 2011/ Dec. 15 - Dec. 23, 2011/
March 27 – Apr 1, 2012

One way fare with fuel: $266*
Travel period: Oct. 29 – Dec. 14, 2011

About Virgin Atlantic Airways
Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, was founded in 1984, and currently has 40 aircraft in its fleet. Virgin Atlantic offers service from 10 US cities to London and onto a range of long-haul destinations worldwide. From its main base at London Heathrow and Gatwick, Virgin Atlantic services destinations as far apart as Las Vegas, Tokyo, Delhi, Boston and Shanghai. Even with Virgin Atlantic’s continued growth, the service still remains customer driven with an emphasis on value for money, quality, fun and innovation ensuring flying Virgin Atlantic is always an event. Pioneering many air travel innovations, Virgin Atlantic received a number of 2010 travel trade awards including for the third consecutive year, Travel Weekly’s “Best International Airline,” Global Traveler’s “Best Airline for Premium Economy Class,” Business Traveler’s “Best Premium Economy Class in the World” and for the first time, “Best Airport Clubs/Lounges.” To book travel contact 800-862-8621. For additional information, visit www.virgin-atlantic.com.