Airline partners boost US capacity

AIRLINES Virgin Atlantic and Delta have announced increased capacity from Manchester Airport to the US on the back of the joint venture they agreed last year.

From this week Virgin is taking on the former Delta route to Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta, using an Airbus A330-300 with 266 seats – representing a 26% increase in capacity.

In May, Delta is launching a new daily non-stop flight to JFK Airport, New York, while Virgin Atlantic is increasing capacity to Orlando and Las Vegas from Manchester Airport this summer.

The 24 additional flights will offer more than 8,000 additional departure seats. Some 15 Virgin Atlantic pilots will also be relocating to Manchester to support the enhanced programme.

Joe Thompson, director of network and alliances at Virgin Atlantic said: “Our joint venture with Delta means both airlines are better placed to meet customer demand for destinations they want to fly to. Our customers are already benefitting from the partnership and our new service will open up over 150 connection opportunities via Atlanta for our customers travelling between the north west of England and the United States.”

Delta has operated services at Manchester since 1991, with Virgin Atlantic entering the market five years later. The two airlines launched their joint venture on January 1, 2014.

Frank Jahangir, Delta’s vice president sales for Europe said: “Having had a presence here for more than 20 years, Manchester remains an important market for Delta New York has long been the most popular business and leisure destination in the United States and through the start of our nonstop services in May, it will now be easier for customers to visit the Big Apple.”

Mats Sigurdson aviation director at Manchester Airport said: “Atlanta and New York are key routes for Manchester, being two of the world’s largest hubs therefore offering incredible onward connectivity.

“This clearly showcases the increasing need and demand for direct travel between Manchester and the United States, which is testament to our ongoing ‘Fly Manchester’ campaign.”

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