VIRGIN ATLANTIC CELEBRATES FIFTEEN YEARS OF FLYING TO HONG KONG

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world's leading long-haul airlines, this month celebrates its 15th anniversary of flying to Hong Kong.

Virgin Atlantic first launched flights between London and Hong Kong in February 1994 and has since carried over 2.1m passengers on the route. In December 2008, the airline launched a second daily service, which has doubled the airline's capacity between London and Hong Kong, offering passengers more choice and flexibility when travelling to the Far East and Sydney.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic said:

" To be celebrating 15 years of flying to Hong Kong is a real achievement for Virgin Atlantic and we are proud to have been offering passengers our excellent service on this route since 1994. We love flying to Hong Kong which was proved last year when, owing to demand, we doubled capacity on the route.

" Fifteen years on Hong Kong still remains a very popular business and holiday destination, with an increasing number of passengers taking city breaks to the region."

The VS238 and VS200 are operated by an A340-600 from London Heathrow. The VS238 departs Heathrow at 16:00 arriving into Hong Kong at 12:30 the following day. The VS200 departs Heathrow at 21:30 arriving into Hong Kong at 17:40 the following day.

The return VS239 departs at 14:15 arriving into Heathrow at 19:20 the same day. The return VS201 departs at 23:35 arriving into Heathrow at 04:50 the following morning.

Red hot fares are available on this route. Return Economy fares start from £379, Premium Economy fares start from £858 and Upper Class fares start from £2001. All these fares include taxes and charges. Economy and Premium Economy fares are available for sale until the 17th February 2009 and Upper Class fares are available for sale until the 24th February 2009. Visit www.virginatlantic.com/stillredhot for full terms and conditions.

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. Virgin Atlantic has a fleet of 38 aircraft, which includes thirteen 747-400s and six A340-300s and nineteen A340-600s.

For further information, please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on +44 (0)1293 747373 or log onto the Virgin Atlantic website www.virginatlantic.com.

Note to editors: For reservations please call 08705 747 747 or logo onto www.virginatlantic.com.