This from the travel agents site VSFLYINGHUB
Virgin Atlantic has just announced plans to fly domestic services from London Heathrow to Manchester Airport from March 2013.This new route is the first time we’ve flown domestically within the UK, signalling the start of a new network providing us with a regional feed for our long haul services, as well as a much needed choice for passengers flying between the two cities.
While we’re going to apply for all of the remedy slots being awarded following the IAG takeover of BMI, these new flights are being established using existing slots that were previously leased to another airline.
Manchester is a key airport for us, with over 65% of people who fly to London connecting to other flights, the majority to destinations we already serve, including Boston, Cape Town and Hong Kong.
Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive Steve Ridgway said “Flying between Heathrow and Manchester is just the start for our new short haul operation. We have the means to connect thousands of passengers to our long haul network as well as to destinations served by other carriers. Our new service will provide strong competition to omnipresent BA. It will keep fares low and give consumers a genuine choice of airline to fly to Heathrow and beyond.
Timetable
We’ll be operating three daily flights to Manchester from 31 March 2013. The flights will operate from London Heathrow Terminal 1 to Manchester Airport Terminal 3, using A319 aircraft.
VS3041*31MAR13*26OCT13*LHR*0920*MAN*1020
VS3042*31MAR13*26OCT13*MAN*1220*LHR*1330
VS3043*31MAR13*26OCT13*LHR*1610*MAN*1710
VS3044*31MAR13*26OCT13*MAN*1750*LHR*1900
VS3045*31MAR13*26OCT13*LHR*2010*MAN*2110
VS3046*31MAR13*26OCT13*MAN*0650*LHR*0800
Products and service
Watch this space regarding more details about our domestic onboard service. We’re not going to reveal the details quite yet, but you can rest assured passengers on these flights will our usual innovative approach to inflight products and service.
What we can confirm is that Upper Class passengers and Flying Club Gold members connecting to one of our long haul services will enjoy access to partner lounges in London Heathrow Terminal 1 and Manchester Airport Terminal 3. Limo services will also be available to Upper Class passengers travelling on selected fares from Manchester and connecting to one of our long haul flights at Heathrow.
How to book
Until your GDS has been updated, these flights are only available to book now by calling our Reservation Centre on 0844 209 7777.
All GDS systems will be updated and you’ll be able to book tickets from 27 August onwards.