Branson sets his sights on Canadian expansion

Richard Branson is targeting Vancouver as the airline’s second Canadian destination following the launch of a daily service to Toronto, reports John Lavabre from Toronto.

Speaking at the inaugural Gatwick-Toronto celebrations, Sir Richard said: “I would be disappointed if we are not in Vancouver within three years.”

He added that he wants to start an internal Canadian airline similar to his Australian domestic operation, Virgin Blue.

The Toronto flight, which leads in at £347 including airport taxes, leaves Gatwick at 3.15pm and arrives at Lester B Pearson International at 6.10pm local time. The return departs Toronto at 8.30pm, arriving at Gatwick at 8.30am the following morning.