Virgin set to launch London-Vancouver service

Virgin Atlantic will officially launch its new non-stop route between London and Vancouver on May 24. Expected to join the inaugural flight – due to touch down at Vancouver International Airport at 1:10 p.m. – is Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Group. Flights will depart from Heathrow Airport four times a week between May 24 and Oct. 27, with an estimated 40,000 passengers projected to use the service during its first season. The new route is expected to increase capacity from the U.K. to Vancouver by 10% and add $54 million in annual revenue to Vancouver’s tourism market. (http://www.virgin-atlantic.com)