Virgin Atlantic is celebrating a major milestone for its home in the North, as the airline marks thirty years of flying from Manchester Airport this week.<\/p>\n
Since Sir Richard Branson launched operations from Manchester on 17th\u00a0May 1996 with services to Orlando, the Northern base has remained a key part of Virgin Atlantic\u2019s UK network and to mark the occasion, the airline is excited to welcome a new A330-neo aircraft to its fleet. The aircraft, named\u00a0Champagne Supernova\u00a0after the iconic Oasis track, is set to carry the registration G-VMAN in a nod to the airline\u2019s longstanding connection to the region.<\/p>\n
To celebrate the milestone, Virgin Atlantic will also host a customer activation at Manchester Airport on Monday 18th May, inviting travellers to join in the celebrations with a dedicated photo opportunity, signature treats and a themed gift giveaway.<\/p>\n
Over the past three decades, Virgin Atlantic\u2019s presence in Manchester has supported connectivity across the North, offering business and leisure customers the convenience of direct long-haul travel from Manchester alongside seamless onward connections through its joint venture partner Delta Air Lines and other SkyTeam partners.<\/p>\n
The airline now offers a strong portfolio of long-haul routes connecting the region to popular destinations across North America and the Caribbean, with flights to Orlando, Atlanta, New York and Las Vegas – the only direct West Coast flight from the North of England – alongside a seasonal winter service to Barbados.<\/p>\n
Customers looking to recreate Virgin Atlantic\u2019s first route from Manchester can fly to Orlando from \u00a3540 per person, with package holidays from \u00a3779 per person. Fares to Las Vegas, the most recent addition to Virgin Atlantic\u2019s Manchester network, start from \u00a3645 per person, with holidays from \u00a3910 per person, while those seeking winter sun can travel to Barbados from \u00a3847 per person, with holidays available from \u00a31349 per person.<\/p>\n
The anniversary comes at a time of continued growth and investment in Virgin Atlantic\u2019s Manchester operation, as the airline boosts its Manchester to Orlando capacity this summer with additional flights. The carrier also plans to increase capacity for Winter 2026 by upguaging Orlando services to its A350-1000 aircraft, with further increases expected to follow for Summer 2027.<\/p>\n
Dave Geer, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cFor three decades, Manchester has been our home in the North, connecting customers throughout the North of England to destinations across the US and beyond. As we celebrate this milestone, we\u2019re building for the future – continuing to grow our presence, giving customers more choice and strengthening the connections that matter most.\u201d<\/p>\n Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWe’re proud to connect the people of the North to the world, with a route network unrivalled in the UK outside London, but we wouldn’t be able to achieve that without partners like Virgin Atlantic. We’re delighted to join them in celebrating their long-term commitment to our region as they mark 30 years of flying from Manchester, and we are excited about what’s to come in the years ahead. Our \u00a31.3bn, decade-long investment in Terminal 2 is almost complete, providing passengers with a genuinely world-class experience but also laying the foundations for future growth.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking ahead, Virgin Atlantic is pleased to announce a partnership with The Executive, a brand-new premium lounge in Manchester T2 opening in July 2026. Offering Upper Class customers and Flying Club Gold members access to an elevated pre-flight experience, the new partnership reinforces the airline\u2019s enduring presence in Manchester, from its airport operation to Virgin Atlantic Holidays retail locations across the city.<\/p>\n Manchester to Orlando \u00a3779pp<\/strong><\/p>\n Prices are per person based on two adults travelling in the month of June 2026, staying for seven nights at the Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista in a Standard Room on a room-only basis. Price includes return Economy Classic flights from Manchester to Orlando and includes all applicable taxes and surcharges which are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.\u00a0<\/p>\n Manchester to Las Vegas \u00a3910pp<\/strong><\/p>\n Prices are per person based on two adults travelling in the month of June 2026, staying for seven nights at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton in a King Chamber room on a room-only basis. Price includes return Economy Classic flights from Manchester to Las Vegas and includes all applicable taxes and surcharges which are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.\u00a0<\/p>\n Manchester to Barbados \u00a31349pp<\/strong><\/p>\n Prices are per person based on two adults travelling in the month of February 2027, staying for seven nights at the Sunbay Hotel in a Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis. Price includes return Economy Classic flights from Manchester to Barbados and includes all applicable taxes and surcharges which are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n KEY FACTS: VIRGIN ATLANTIC HOLIDAYS (AND SELECTED TRAVEL TRADE PARTNERS)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \n