Virgin Atlantic Debates Possible Launch of Biz-Class Only Carrier

Virgin Atlantic is currently in early talks with Airbus, Boeing and other aircraft manufacturers, as it prepares to launch a new airline that would compete head to head with Silverjet and other carriers offering business-class-only service.

While the type or size of the aircraft has not yet been determined, a spokeswoman in Virgin Atlantic’s London office told TravelWeekly.com, the yet-unnamed airline is slated to begin flying within the next 12 to 18 months.

Virgin Atlantic President Richard Branson revealed the plans for the service on June 3 in Masai Mara, Kenya, during a ceremony marking the launch Virgin Atlantic’s new service to Nairobi.

Details, such as securing the necessary slots needed at certain gateways, were still unresolved; however Virgin Atlantic nevertheless indicated that it intends to shake up the growing business class airline market currently dominated by MaxJet, Eos and others.

The business class service would originate from London (Heathrow), where Virgin Atlantic has a hub, as well as possibly Luton or Stansted airports in England, the spokeswoman said.

The carrier would likely operate a fleet of new aircraft and Virgin Atlantic currently is in early talks with several aircraft manufacturers, the spokeswoman said, “but we can’t confirm a type or size [of the aircraft] because we are still in discussions” with the manufacturers.

Service to the U.S., including non-stop service to New York, would be added pending completion of an open skies agreement between the U.S and the U.K. that would lift certain restrictions.