Virgin introduces fourth African route

The Nairobi–Heathrow route joins Johannesburg, Cape Town and Lagos – Heathrow routes.

The Nairobi – Heathrow service is expected to provide up to 25% more visitors to Nairobi and economic benefits in excess of US$100 million in the next year.

Virgin Atlantic had its maiden flight at the beginning of June.

“I am really pleased that Virgin Atlantic is now serving Nairobi, the airline's fourth African destination which is not only an important city in its own right, but also the gateway for the whole of East Africa and the Indian Ocean,” said Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic.

Branson said the airline will offer visitors from the busy, vibrant capital city of Nairobi to the wealth of almost unbeatable game reserves and wildlife and world famous beach resorts like Mombasa. “I predict that its popularity will continue to grow, aided by Virgin Atlantic's daily services which offer passengers more flexibility and value for money,” he said.

Virgin Atlantic Airways daily services will be operated by an Airbus A340-300 aircraft with 240 seats onboard 34 Upper Class, 35 Premium Economy and 171 Economy.

Flights from Nairobi will depart at 08:15 from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and will arrive at 14:50 into London Heathrow Airport. Return flights will depart from Heathrow at 19:15 and will arrive in Nairobi the following day at 06:05.

Virgin Atlantic currently flies to 28 destinations worldwide inclusive of Nairobi with a route launch to Mauritius in October this year.