UK-based airline Virgin Atlantic has decided to resume flights between London Heathrow and Mumbai, one month after its partner Jet Airways shut down operations for a temporary but indefinite period.

"Until recently, we’ve been able to serve this important market through our partnership with Jet Airways. However, since Jet Airways has sadly suspended its operation, we now have an opportunity to provide alternative options for our customers and meet this demand," Juha Jarvinen, executive vice president, commercial, at Virgin Atlantic said.

The airline will operate the route using a Boeing 787-9 aircraft from October 27 after a gap of four years. The booking window for the flight will commence from May 28. The airline currently flies between London and Delhi.

The new flights will depart and arrive Heathrow in the morning to align with connecting flows to and from the US. The airline is offering 31 seats in the upper class, 35 in premium and 192 in the economy.

Other facilities include onboard service in each of its cabins, complimentary food, drink and over 300 hours of entertainment across films, TV and music channels and Wi-Fi.

"... together with our partners at Delta, we can offer unrivalled choice and more seamless connections to the USA via Heathrow Airport," Virgin Atlantic added.

The Mumbai connection marks Virgin Atlantic’s 27th daily service from London Heathrow and its third new route announcement this year. Flights to Tel Aviv, Israel are due to commence in September 2019, with flights to São Paulo, Brazil starting in 2020, marking the airline’s first venture into South America.

Together with partner Delta Air Lines, over 28 daily flights are offered between London and the USA.

First Published:May 21, 2019 5:29 PM IST