Virgin Atlantic Three-Year Growth Plan to Target More Business Passengers

Virgin Atlantic, unveiled a new three-year growth plan aimed at capturing greater business market share, with products tailored towards premium passengers at the heart of the strategy. The airline is targeting an increase of at least 10 percent in the number of business travelers over the next year.

A combination of new and extended business routes, such as London-Dubai and a sixth daily service between London and New York as well as offering the award-winning Upper Class Suite on all routes, will enable Virgin Atlantic to offer the best business service in the air. The Upper Class Suite features the longest fully-flat bed in any business class.

On the ground, Virgin Atlantic is also extending its facilities for business passengers. The new London Heathrow Clubhouse features the ultimate pre-travel experience. There will also be an increased focus on DIY check-in online or at the airport.

The three-year growth plan, aimed at further boosting operating margins and building continuing profitability, also includes exciting changes for travelers using Premium Economy and Economy. Trials are already underway for new seating in both classes, with a continuing emphasis on space and comfort.

Virgin Atlantic also intends to expand its leisure operations, with new routes to Dubai and Montego Bay, Jamaica being launched during 2006. Working further with the travel trade, Virgin Holidays will be increasing its sales footprint, with more destinations on offer than ever before.

The next three years will also see major changes for Virgin Atlantic passengers at London Heathrow´s Terminal 3. Plans are underway to significantly speed up the check-in and boarding process, continuing Virgin´s pioneering approach to providing the best travel experience, whether on the ground or in the air. Working with BAA, Virgin Atlantic will unveil further details on its plans later this year.