THIRTY, FLIRTY AND FLYING HIGH: VIRGIN-ATLANTIC MARKS MANCHESTER MILESTONE | News
Virgin Atlantic is celebrating a major milestone for its northern home base as the airline has been flying from Manchester Airport for 30 years this week.
Since Sir Richard Branson launched flights to Orlando from Manchester on May 17, 1996, the northern base has remained an important part of Virgin Atlantic’s UK network. To mark this occasion, the airline is pleased to welcome a new A330 neo aircraft to its fleet. The aircraft, named Champagne Supernova after the iconic Oasis circuit, will carry the registration G-VMAN, in a nod to the airline’s long-standing connection to the region.
To celebrate this milestone, Virgin Atlantic will also host a customer activation at Manchester Airport on Monday 18 May, inviting travelers to join in the festivities with a special photo opportunity, signature treats and a themed gift.
Over the past thirty years, Virgin Atlantic’s presence in Manchester has supported connectivity in the north, offering business and leisure customers the convenience of direct long-haul travel from Manchester, in addition to seamless onward connections through its joint venture partner Delta Air Lines and other SkyTeam partners.
The airline now offers a strong portfolio of long-haul routes connecting the region to popular destinations in North America and the Caribbean, with flights to Orlando, Atlanta, New York and Las Vegas – the only direct west coast flight from northern England – in addition to a seasonal winter service to Barbados.
Customers looking to emulate Virgin Atlantic’s first route from Manchester can fly to Orlando from £540 per person, with package holidays starting from £779 per person. Fares to Las Vegas, the latest addition to Virgin Atlantic’s Manchester network, start from £645 per person, with holidays from £910 per person, while those seeking winter sun can travel to Barbados from £847 per person, with holidays available from £1349 per person.
The anniversary comes at a time of continued growth and investment in Virgin Atlantic’s Manchester operations, as the airline expands its capacity from Manchester to Orlando with additional flights this summer. The airline also plans to increase capacity for winter 2026 by increasing Orlando service to its A350-1000 aircraft, with further increases expected for summer 2027.
Dave Geer, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said:
“For three decades, Manchester has been our home in the North, connecting customers across the North of England to destinations in the US and beyond. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re building for the future – continuing to expand our presence, giving customers more choice and strengthening the connections that matter most.”
Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said:
“We’re proud to connect the people of the North to the world, with a route network unrivaled in Britain outside London, but we couldn’t achieve that without partners like Virgin Atlantic. We’re excited to join them in celebrating their long-term commitment to our region as they celebrate 30 years of flying from Manchester, and we’re excited about what’s to come in the coming years. Our decade-long £1.3 billion investment in Terminal 2 is almost complete, offering passengers a truly world-class experience, but lays also the basis for future growth.”
Looking ahead, Virgin Atlantic is pleased to announce a partnership with The Executive, a brand new premium lounge in Manchester T2 opening in July 2026. By offering Upper Class customers and Flying Club Gold members access to an enhanced pre-flight experience, the new partnership strengthens the airline’s enduring presence in Manchester, from its airport operations to Virgin Atlantic Holidays retail locations across the city.
KEY FACTS: VIRGIN ATLANTIC HOLIDAYS (AND SELECT TRAVEL TRADE PARTNERS)
Manchester to Orlando £779 pp
Prices are per person, based on two adults traveling during the month of June 2026 and staying seven nights at the Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista in a Standard Room on a room-only basis. Price includes return Economy Classic flights from Manchester to Orlando and includes all applicable taxes and fees which are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Manchester to Las Vegas £910pp
Prices are per person, based on two adults traveling during the month of June 2026 and staying seven nights at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton in a King Chamber room on a room-only basis. Price includes return Economy Classic flights from Manchester to Las Vegas and includes all applicable taxes and fees which are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Manchester to Barbados £1349pp
Prices are per person based on two adults traveling in the month of February 2027 and staying seven nights at the Sunbay Hotel in a Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis. The price includes return Economy Classic flights from Manchester to Barbados and includes all applicable taxes and fees which are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
For more information, visit www.virginatlantic.com/holidays.
