UK carrier, Virgin Atlantic has recently released details of its new long and short hauls routes. The airline hopes to serve up to 84 new destinations in the UK, Europe and across the globe. They are currently serving 19 long haul destinations from Heathrow.
Virgin plans to challenge International Air Group’s 'stranglehold' over the UK hub airport. The airline plans to its long haul route network and has ambitious plans to become Britain’s second flag carrier. These promises can only be delivered if the Government reforms the way that new Heathrow slots are allocated. Based on these allocations it will be decided if this enables the creation of a second flag carrier at the airport.
The new long haul international routes planned include locations such as Kolkata (India), Jakarta (Indonesia) and Panama City (Panama) where there are no non-stop routes currently. Of the 84 new destinations planned, 12 of these are domestic, 37 are European and 35 are global. The aim of these decisions is to benefit consumers with more choice available and lower fares. Due to the IAG currently having monopoly of the market, it is reported that passengers may be paying up to +10% more on airfares as a consequence of no competition existing. As it stands, IAG holds more than 55% of take-off and landing slots at Heathrow.
Virgin Atlantic plans address the urgent need for strong, effective competition at the UK’s only hub airport, reducing the cost of flying for millions of British business and leisure travellers.