VIRGIN TO LAUNCH LONDON - LAGOS ROUTE

Virgin Atlantic Airways today announced that it will launch services between London and Lagos from summer 2001. The announcement follows a recent bilateral meeting between the British and Nigerian Governments.

Commenting on the announcement, Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic said today:

“I am delighted that after several years of trying, Virgin Atlantic is at last able to serve the Nigerian market. This is a market which has been crying out for competition for a long time. Passengers will now be able to benefit from Virgin Atlantic’s award winning service and attractive fares.

“We will announce details of our operations soon but our aim is to fly daily Boeing 747 services on the London-Lagos route.

“It has been an uphill struggle to break the current monopoly on services to Nigeria. I would particularly like to thank the Nigerian President, the Vice President, the Minister for Civil Aviation and the High Commissioner in London for their help and willingness to recognise the benefits which competition will bring to both our economies.

“Virgin looks forward to a long and positive relationship with Nigeria. Virgin Atlantic is often the platform for the expansion of other Virgin companies and I hope that today’s announcement is only the first of many from the Virgin Group.”

The British and Nigerian Governments met on the 10th April and agreed to allow two airlines from each country to operate the London – Lagos route, currently served solely by British Airways. They also agreed to an increase in frequencies of up to 14 per week.

Virgin Atlantic will announce further details of its operation in due course but hopes to launch new services from London Heathrow by the end of summer 2001.