Virgin Atlantic launches 'game changer' flight destination from Manchester

Ellen Kirwin

3 June 2024 at 8:55 am·2-min read

Many people travel to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas — -Credit: (Image: Getty Images)

Virgin Atlantic has launched a service to a new "game changer" destination from Manchester.

The airline marked the launch of its new service from Manchester to Las Vegas today, on Monday, June 3. Flight VS85, on an A350-1000, departed Manchester Airport at 9.40am for the first time since before the pandemic.

The new service joins the airline’s existing daily flights to Las Vegas from London Heathrow, as the airline expands its network and supports customer demand for premium leisure travel from the northwest. The vibrant holiday destination is known for its exciting strip but travellers can discover the Grand Canyon, or even take on a road trip along the West Coast.

The new Manchester to Las Vegas route is in addition to the airline’s seasonal winter Barbados service and is the airline’s fourth service from Manchester to the US, building on established services of Orlando, New York, and Atlanta. It is also the only US West Coast flight available from the northwest, offering customers the opportunity to fly direct.

Dom Kennedy, Senior Vice President at Virgin Atlantic Holidays, said: "We know our customers love Las Vegas - there is so much to do in the city from sports and entertainment to world class dining. It’s also the perfect starting point for road trip holidays, for those adventurous travellers looking to explore the US West Coast.

Showgirls at the check in desk at Manchester airport ahead of Flight VS85 taking off -Credit:PA

"We can’t wait to offer customers travelling the new route an incredible experience, delivered by our wonderful people." Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport added: "Here at Manchester Airport, we're proud to serve the North with an ever-growing route network of more than 200 destinations.

"Adding Las Vegas with Virgin Atlantic to that list is really exciting. Few places sum up the glitz and glamour of international travel like Las Vegas. Giving passengers in the North the opportunity to fly there directly and experience everything it has to offer is a real game-changer.

USA, Nevada, Las Vegas, Strip, fountain, hotels and Eiffel Tower at blue hour -Credit:scu

"But it also makes Manchester Airport the only English airport outside London to offer direct flights to America's west coast, opening up a host of travel opportunities including the bright lights and nightlife of Las Vegas itself, the spectacular scenery of National Parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon as well the Pacific coast, the fascinating cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles and much, much more.

"We're proud to be working with Virgin Atlantic to launch this route and I can't wait to hear about people's travels to this amazing part of the world - Viva Las Vegas." The new seasonal summer thrice-weekly service from Manchester to Las Vegas operates on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

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