“Something different”: Virgin Atlantic reveals its plans for Canada

Virgin Atlantic is returning to Canada after a decade of not flying to the country.

As previously reported, the U.K.-based airline will launch a new non-stop flight between London Heathrow and Toronto on March 30, 2025, more than ten years since the carrier stopped flying to Vancouver in 2014.

The route will feature a mix of aircraft, including the A330-900, the latest addition to Virgin Atlantic’s fleet. Passengers on board will, for example, be able to enjoy the Retreat Suite, an onboard social space, wireless charging, and stylish design touches.

So, why is Virgin Atlantic returning to Canada now?

“We see an area of opportunity to bring our premium, personalized service to Canadian customers and give them something different,” said Simon Hawkins, head of the Americas at Virgin Atlantic, who recently visited Toronto to connect with trade media.

“With strong connectivity between Toronto, London and onwards to key markets like India, we know this route will give Canadian customers more choice in both a premium service and product in addition to strong connectivity, with average connection times to India at one hour 20 minutes.”

New wings

Virgin Atlantic last flew to Vancouver airport (YVR) through 2014 and the Toronto service is somewhat of a route resumption. The airline last operated this flight in 2001, but it was cancelled shortly after 9/11.

What’s changed at Virgin Atlantic over the past decade?

“Our spirit of innovation has remained strong since Sir Richard Branson founded the airline 40 years ago, and we’re pleased to bring our latest product, the A330-900neo, to this new route,” Hawkins said.

“This state-of-the-art aircraft dovetails with Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to flying the cleanest, greenest fleet in the sky. From wingtip to tailfin, we’ve used inspiration and innovation to make this aircraft brilliant on every level. From a brand-new social space and wireless charging, even more storage and stylish design touches, through to a huge 11 per cent less fuel burn and carbon emission.”

“We hope Canadians will be pleased to find our amazing people have remained consistent. They’re the red thread that drive everything we do.”

The service out of Toronto will also be benefited by an expanded codeshare agreement with WestJet that is set to start in October.

What took so long?

When asked why it took Virgin Atlantic almost 25 years to return to Toronto, Hawkins said the airline is “constantly evaluating our route network.”

“We’re pleased to bring this route to the market at the right time with the right partners at Delta and WestJet to ensure our customers are getting the best service and connectivity,” he said.

 Virgin Atlantic’s expanded codeshare with WestJet is a key selling point. 

“We’re proud to expand our partnership with WestJet to allow more Canadians to travel and connect seamlessly to London, India and beyond,” Hawkins said. “We will be able to seamlessly offer flights operated by WestJet between London Heathrow to destinations across our network and our partners at WestJet will be able to do the same.”

Never say never

Hawkins said the airline has no immediate plans to return to Vancouver, or expand to other Canadian hubs. However: “We never say never!” he said.

As for his message to Canadian travel advisors, he urged the trade to consider Virgin Atlantic’s partnerships with Delta and WestJet and consider the “unique proposition” the airline has for its customers, combined with “the best product, service and connectivity in Canada and beyond.”

“We look forward to spending more time in the market with our partners and customers and kicking off our route next summer,” Hawkins said.

Return fares for Virgin Atlantic’s daily non-stop service between London Heathrow and Toronto start from around £490 per person (about $860 CAD).

WestJet says reciprocal frequent flyer benefits will also follow at some point in 2025.

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