VIRGIN ATLANTIC ANNOUNCES LAGOS START DATE AND LAUNCH FARES

Virgin Atlantic announced today that it will start operating a four times a week service between London and Lagos from 16 July 2001.

VS651 will depart from Heathrow at 22.30hrs on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday arriving at Murtala Muhammed at 05:00hrs the following morning. The return flight, VS652, will leave Lagos at 09.25hrs on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and at 09:15hrs on Friday and will arrive in London at 15:55hrs and 15:45hrs respectively.

The service will operate using a Boeing 747-200 aircraft and will offer Virgin Atlantic’s three award-winning cabin classes, Upper Class, Premium Economy and Economy.

Speaking from the London residence of the Nigerian High Commissioner, Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways, said:

“I am delighted that, after several years of trying, our wish to serve the Nigerian market has finally come true. This market has cried out for competition for a long time and passengers will now be able to benefit from Virgin Atlantic’s award winning service and attractive fares.

“I am also delighted to have been able to begin operating the service so quickly and I would particularly like to thank the Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Vice President, Alhaji (Chief) Atiku Abubakar, the Honourable Minister for Aviation, Dr (Mrs) Kema Chikwe and the High Commissioner in London, His Excellency Ambassador Prince Bola Ajibola for all their help and willingness to recognise the benefits that competition will bring to both our economies.”

Lagos is Virgin Atlantic’s 22nd destination and its third African route. The airline began flying to Johannesburg in 1997 and Cape Town in 1999.

Tickets will go on sale in the UK on Monday 11 June with published fares starting from just £499 including tax – significantly cheaper than the lowest fare currently available. Fares from Nigeria will be announced shortly and will go on sale on Monday 18 June.