VIRGIN Atlantic has launched its second daily direct service from London Heathrow to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, effective from October 27, the airline announced on Tuesday.
The new service is operated with Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, configured with three cabin classes: upper, premium, and economy.
With this addition, Virgin Atlantic has doubled its capacity on the London-Mumbai route to meet the increasing demand for premium travel between the two cities, it said.
The airline’s total India operations now include five daily flights: two each from Delhi and Mumbai, and one from Bengaluru.
“India presents a tremendous opportunity for us, thanks to its dynamic and rapidly growing economy. Mumbai is an essential market for Virgin Atlantic, and we've witnessed significant demand for premium travel experiences on this route,” said Shivani Singh Deo, Virgin Atlantic’s country manager.
Virgin Atlantic will complete 25 years of operations in India next year, and the addition of this second daily service reflects its commitment to offering enhanced connectivity and service for its customers in the country, she added.
Virgin Atlantic further stated that India has become its largest growth market outside the United States, underscoring the region's importance to the airline’s global plans.
The airline anticipates operating close to 1 million seats in India by 2025.
Dharavi slum in Mumbai
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)