Virgin Atlantic is reaffirming its commitment to Barbados as a pivotal travel hub with the introduction of its state-of-the-art Airbus A330neo aircraft on the Barbados route. This announcement comes as Virgin Atlantic marks its 25th year of providing direct service to Barbados.
In a grand celebration coinciding with World Tourism Day, the official 25th-anniversary flight touched down at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA). Notably, Virgin Atlantic’s visionary owner, Sir Richard Branson, was aboard this milestone flight. The arrival was met with a warm and festive welcome, led by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Shelly Williams, Chair of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI).
Shelly Williams remarked, “We are thrilled to celebrate 25 years of Virgin Atlantic’s direct service to our island. This milestone is a testament to the strong partnership between Virgin Atlantic and Barbados, reflecting the enduring allure of our destination to travelers worldwide. We eagerly anticipate continuing this successful journey together, welcoming visitors to our shores, and showcasing the warmth and beauty of Barbados for many years to come.“
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To commemorate this significant achievement, a special press conference was held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the Sea Breeze Hotel, attended by key representatives from both Virgin Atlantic and BTMI.
Marsha Alleyne, Chief Product Development Officer, stated, “Our partnership with Virgin Atlantic has ensured that Barbados remains accessible to UK visitors, our number one source market. We have worked tirelessly to provide authentic experiences that entice travelers to return to our island. That’s why we are very excited to soon welcome Virgin Atlantic’s new Airbus A330neo to Barbados. This aircraft is designed to offer a premium and personalized experience that we can’t wait for travelers en route to Barbados to enjoy.“
Facilitating Regional Travel
Virgin Atlantic’s association with Barbados dates back to 1998 and has consistently grown stronger over the past two decades. Over the years, there has been an increase in capacity and the introduction of new fleets, transforming Barbados into a central travel hub for the Eastern Caribbean.
Juha Järvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, expressed, “Knowing that flight connections are often limited within the Eastern Caribbean, we are excited to provide reliable services to Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. We firmly believe that offering these local multi-island options will further boost the Barbados economy. We’ve been here for 25 years and can’t wait to build the next 25 years on this beautiful island.“
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Fostering Long-Lasting Partnerships
Currently, the airline offers year-round daily services to Barbados from London Heathrow, with a capacity of 264 seats and an increased upper-class capacity from 16 to 31 seats. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic operates flights three times a week from Manchester. Virgin Atlantic and BTMI have consistently collaborated to promote Barbados as a premier tourist destination, offering travelers world-class service, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
As the celebration continues, both organizations are eagerly looking forward to the future and the promising opportunities that await.
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