Virgin Atlantic is to resume its transatlantic flights to Orlando and Las Vegas from Heathrow on November 8.
Flights from Manchester to Orlando and New York will resume on the same day and the carrier says the move is in response to a “surge” in customer demand.
It comes after the White House confirmed last week that the US would reopen to fully-vaccinated international travellers from the same date.
Services to Orlando will depart daily from both Heathrow and Manchester. The route is currently the most booked across Virgin Atlantic’s global portfolio, which the carrier said “reaffirms the pent-up demand for families and thrill seekers to enjoy the magic of Florida’s top destination”.
Virgin will deploy its newest, largest aircraft, the Airbus A350-100 from November 8-14 on its Heathrow-Orlando route.
Las Vegas flights will operate daily from Heathrow on a Boeing 787-900. Daily services from Manchester to New York will resume on an Airbus A330.
Juha Jarvinen, the airline’s chief commercial officer, said: “Our customers are ready to begin their US adventures, whether it’s to enjoy the magic of Orlando or to party the night away in Las Vegas, therefore it’s only right that we offer them the opportunity to fly as soon as we can.
“I’m delighted that our Orlando and Las Vegas services will begin on November 8, the same day transatlantic travel reopens.
“We can’t wait to transport customers to our favourite destinations in the US safely once more.”
Virgin Atlantic offers unlimited date and flight changes for new bookings at no extra cost. Passengers can reschedule up to April 30, 2023.