Virgin Atlantic Announces First Airbus A350 Route

July 07, 2019

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4 min read

Virgin Atlantic Announces First Airbus A350 Route

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The first route for Virgin Atlantic's newest aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, has been announced. Beginning in September, Virgin Atlantic will operate the Airbus A350 between its hub at London-Heathrow (LHR) and New York-JFK. Passengers looking to fly onboard Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A350, which features the airline's swanky new Upper Class Suites, can book flights operated by the aircraft effective immediately.

Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A350-1000 is the airline's latest aircraft type to join the fleet. Each A350 will feature 335 seats, 44 Upper Class (semi) Suites, 56 premium economy seats, and 235 standard economy class seats. The Airbus A350-1000 will replace the airline's aging Airbus A340s and Boeing 747s.

Virgin Atlantic's new Upper Class "Suite" will make its debut aboard the Airbus A350. (Image by Nicky Kelvin/The Points Guy)

The Airbus A350 will also be the first Virgin Atlantic aircraft to feature the airline's latest Upper Class business class product and updated premium and standard economy class seats. While Virgin Atlantic calls its latest Upper Class seats "suites," the TPG team found that the new seat falls short of an actual suite. However, the new Upper Class product is a significant improvement over current variations of the seat.

For passengers looking to experience Virgin Atlantic's newest aircraft, the Airbus A350 will make its debut on flights between London-Heathrow (LHR) and New York-JFK starting September 24. Tickets for the first Airbus A350 flights are on sale now.

Dates	Route	Departure & Arrival Times
September 10 to September 24, 2019	London (LHR) to New York City (JFK) New York City (JFK) to London (LHR)	VS153 Departs at 1:30 p.m., Arrives at 4:25 p.m. VS138 Departs at 7 p.m., Arrives at 7:20 a.m. (+1 Day)
Effective September 25	London (LHR) to New York City (JFK) New York City (JFK) to London (LHR)	VS137 Departs at 11:50 a.m., Arrives at 4:25 p.m. VS138 Departs at 7 p.m., Arrives at 7:20 a.m. (+1 Day)

Booking The First Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 Flights

The first Airbus A350 flights from New York and London are currently available from $377 round-trip in economy light, Virgin Atlantic's basic economy fare. At that price, passengers will be guaranteed a carry-on bag and a seat aboard the aircraft. Seat selection and checked luggage are available for an additional fee.

For passengers looking to experience Virgin Atlantic's updated premium cabins, round-trip fares aboard the first flights start at $1,239 in premium economy and $3,873 in the airline's new Upper Class Suites.

Award bookings do not appear to be possible at the moment. Neither Delta Air Lines nor Virgin Atlantic's site lists flights VS153, VS138, or VS137. However, should travelers be willing to forgo the Airbus A350 experience, both airlines are offering relatively inexpensive award flights this fall between New York City and London.