Virgin Atlantic launches special business class promotion on Sydney London route

Virgin Atlantic Airways has intensified its efforts to attract Business Class passengers to its daily code share flight from Sydney to London by offering two nights free luxury accommodation at Sydney Airport - one before and one after their flight.

Business Class passengers holding Virgin Atlantic tickets on the daily code share service operated by Malaysia Airlines can now choose either the 5  Star accommodation at the Stamford Sydney Airport at each end of their flights, or a free return limousine transfer between home and airport.

This deal also provides departing passengers with up to 22 days free parking - 11 days with each free night - and shuttle transfers to and from the Sydney International air terminal.

Virgin Atlantic's Sales and Marketing Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Ms Gia Acitelli, said the hotel offer provided yet another differentiating feature for the airline's premium product from Australia.

"This product enables passengers to start and end their journey in comfort," said Ms Acitelli. "For some, particularly seniors or leisure travellers, it is more comfortable to stay near Sydney Airport the night before departure, than it is  to take a limousine on the day of travel. For others, time constraints mean the limousine is the best option.

"The Stamford stay is also designed for business travellers or leisure passengers living in outer suburban or regional areas, who prefer to minimise their commitments on the day of travel, or to freshen up after they step off a long flight."

Ms Acitelli said an overnight stay at the Stamford Sydney Airport also added another dimension to the journey for leisure travellers, enabling them to dine out or go to a movie or the theatre the night before departure, without having to concern themselves with a journey to the airport the following day. The  free stay on return also enabled them to rest up immediately after their flight.

In addition to the choice of overnight hotel or free limousine transfer in Sydney, Virgin Atlantic Business Class passengers have access to the Virgin Atlantic arrivals lounge at London's Heathrow Airport, where they can  shower, enjoy breakfast and catch up on the day's news before taking a free limousine transfer to their London accommodation.

On departure from London, they have access to the Virgin Clubhouse at Heathrow, which offers features including a lounge, bar, cinema, music and  even a skiing machine. And for those who book ahead, there is even an opportunity for beauty treatment or hair styling in the Clubhouse prior to the flight home.

Effective from 30 March, Virgin Atlantic Airways flight VS522 departs Sydney 2.20pm each day. The flight is operated by a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747-400, which flies via Kuala Lumpur, arriving in London 5.50am the  following day.