Virgin Atlantic has announced a new route to Vancouver that will run from 24 May 2012 until 27 October 2012.

Flights are scheduled four times per week from London Heathrow (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) and passengers may book flights online from 1 December.

The new route will also create hundreds of new jobs in the tourism and aviation industry. The air carrier believes the route will bring in CAD$54 million in tourism to the Canadian city, flying up to 40,000 passengers between London and Vancouver in the first season.

Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Executive, said: “With almost 20,000 people flying from the UK to Canada each month in the peak season, the UK is the largest overseas market for passengers to British Columbia. Greater competition to Vancouver will benefit passengers through improved choice and better value for money.”

Edmond Rose, Director of Commercial and Revenue Planning commented: “We’ve had lots of customers asking us to fly to Vancouver over the years, so we’re delighted to launch this new route in response to customer demand. Vancouver is such a cosmopolitan city, full of culture, shopping and restaurants but it also offers stunning beaches and a range of outdoor adventure options on its doorstep.”

Virgin Atlantic has also announced the launch of a second new route to San Francisco. This will operate three times per week from London from 26 March 2012, strengthening the airline’s presence in the North American market.

Virgin Atlantic already flies to nine destinations in North America: New York, Boston, Washington, Miami, Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

“We are delighted to play a leading role in strengthening tourist and business ties between the UK and North America,” continued Mr Ridgway.

(Image: happyrelm)

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