Virgin launches Dubai flights

With typical razzmatazz, Richard Branson today launched Virgin Atlantic Airways’ first service to the Middle East.

After an inaugural flight from Heathrow, Branson – ever the flamboyant showman – posed for pictures on a wing of the Virgin Airbus A340 aircraft after it touched down at Dubai International Airport.

Then, in bright early morning sunshine, Branson came down the steps of the aircraft flanked by two stewardesses – one carrying the Union flag, the other with the flag of the United Arab Emirates.

Branson said: “I’m delighted we have finally arrived in Dubai and this new service underpins our strong commitment to the business traveller. Dubai is the second largest long-haul route out of London and we are confident that we can make big inroads into this market targeting 10% market share in our first year of operation.”

Virgin is starting with four flights a week between London and Dubai and this will increase to five a week from May 1 and to daily from June 1.

Virgin is taking on both British Airways and Dubai local carrier Emirates on the route. Branson said that Virgin flights were already fully booked for the next two weeks.

Dubai is Virgin’s 26th destination and the airline will start services to Montego Bay in Jamaica later this year. Virgin currently carries more than five million passengers a year.