Virgin Atlantic will launch direct flights from Scotland to Barbados and Florida
Beginning this winter, Virgin Atlantic will fly internationally out of Edinburgh (EDI) for the first time.
The carrier just announced it's adding direct, twice-weekly flights from the Scottish capital to Barbados (BGI) to meet the growing demand for the Caribbean destination. Virgin Atlantic will use an Airbus A330, giving passengers the ability to fly there in Upper Class (which offers an exclusive bar area and lie-flat beds), and Premium, which offers seats with a 38-inch (96-cm) seat pitch, welcome drinks and fine dining.
When they launch, these will be the only direct flights from Scotland to the Caribbean.
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Virgin Atlantic also said it will launch Edinburgh to Orlando, Florida (MCO) flights from April 2022. Those routes will also be offered twice weekly on an Airbus A330-200.
The arrival of long-haul international service from Edinburgh is seen as a key step in the Scottish travel industry's slow bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.
Related: A review of Virgin Atlantic's A350
"Our two new routes provide an array of holiday options to suit everyone," Virgin Atlantic said in a statement. "From family fun and the thrills of Orlando's theme parks to the stunning beaches and chilled-out vibes in Barbados, we're confident there's something to love for all of our Scottish customers."
Tickets for both the Barbados and Orlando routes go on sale from Aug. 18, with prices starting from $581 (£419) per person.
Related: Unlock incredible value with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
With Barbados among several Caribbean nations currently on the U.K.'s travel green list, the airline expects it to be a popular choice for a winter getaway this year, especially with direct flights. Travelers looking to venture farther can book connections from Barbados to other sunny islands such as Grenada, St. Vincent and Tobago through Virgin Atlantic's connecting flights with Caribbean Airlines.
One casualty of Virgin Atlantic's just-announced routes is that the Glasgow (GLA) to Orlando service that has operated since 2007 will no longer be offered.
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