Virgin Atlantic will this week launch its inaugural service between London Gatwick and San Juan, Puerto Rico. This will make it Virgin Atlantic’s 9th Caribbean destination and the airline’s 30th destination worldwide.

Puerto Rico will complement Virgin Atlantic’s strong presence in the Caribbean with existing flights to Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Tobago, Havana and Montego Bay and Kingston in Jamaica.

The first flight will depart London Gatwick on Saturday 7 November, operated by a Boeing 747-400.

Nick Parker, Virgin Atlantic Country Manager for the Caribbean, said:

"The Caribbean has remained a strong market for Virgin Atlantic since we first started flying there in 1998 and we are thrilled to be adding San Juan. Virgin Atlantic flies nearly two million passengers each year from London Gatwick and Puerto Rico will serve to increase this further, especially with many passengers connecting onto cruises operating within the Caribbean.

"Our new, unique service means that passengers can benefit from all that this beautiful island has to offer including exotic local hideaways and miles of white sandy beaches, mountains and valleys. Our passengers will be spoilt for choice by the range of top class hotels, fine dining and excellent water sports in this tropical paradise.”

Flights from Gatwick depart on Saturdays at 09:25, arriving into San Juan at 16:05 the same day and departs on a Saturday from San Juan leaving at 18:05, arriving into London Gatwick at 08:35 the following morning.

The launch of these services to Puerto Rico allows Virgin Holidays to offer a range of fantastic cruise holidays from the island, meaning that even more Virgin travellers can enjoy what this beautiful island has to offer. More details can be found at www.Virginholidays.co.uk

Virgin Atlantic recently announced it will be offering even more luxury to its premium leisure passengers departing from London Gatwick with the expansion of its Clubhouse. Later this month passengers will be provided with the ultimate pre-flight pampering experience which will include a brand new Cowshed Spa. Cowshed is the Soho House spa brand and Upper Class and Gold Card passengers will be able to treat themselves to a selection of exclusive Cowshed treatments.

Since it was founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic has become one of the world’s leading long haul airlines serving the world’s major cities. Based at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports as well as offering services from Manchester airport, it operates long haul services to 30 destinations worldwide as far apart as Las Vegas and Shanghai.

For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on 01293 747373 or log ontowww.virginatlantic.com