November 02, 2006

VIRGIN NIGERIA ANNOUNCES SPECIAL FLIGHTS TO SOKOTO ...Condoles with Nigerians

Lagos, Nigeria: 02 November 2006: Virgin Nigeria Airways have announced plans to specially airlift sympathisers to Sokoto State for Friday Jumat and the eighth day Fidau prayers for the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido who died along with others in the ill fated ADC flight of Sunday, October 29, 2006.

Announcing the commencement of the special flight plans in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Conrad Clifford said: "the special flights billed for Friday, November 3 and Sunday, November 5 will provide means of transportation for sympathisers wishing to pay their condolences to the Sokoto State government and accord them an opportunity to pray for the repose of the souls of the departed".

"The two special flights which are outside our normal schedule is our own solemn way of contributing towards the special prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims", Conrad said, stressing that interested sympathisers who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity could visit Virgin Nigeria’s ticketing offices especially the office at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Meanwhile, a senior management team of Virgin Nigeria during a visit to the Aviation ministry condoled with the President and the entire nation over the tragic loss of lives in the plane crash. Virgin Nigeria during the condolence visit, expressed sympathy with the immediate families of the bereaved.

During the condolence visit, the Virgin Nigeria team said it was indeed very sad that an accident of that magnitude could occur at a time the nation is just recovering from the effect of similar recent accidents. They urged all not to lose hope but work harder as a nation to make our skies safer.

About Virgin Nigeria:
Virgin Nigeria is the registered, fully private sector flag carrier of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, owned 51% by Nigerian Institutional shareholders and 49% by Virgin Atlantic.

The airline operates the following

intercontinental services:
Lagos to London: Daily
Johannesburg: Three times a week
Dubai: Three times a week until October 15th 2006

Regional services:
Accra: Daily
Douala: Two times a week
Dakar: Two times a week

Domestic services:
Lagos - Abuja: Six times daily
***Lagos - Port Harcourt: (Now diverted to Owerri two times daily)
***Abuja - Port Harcourt: (Now diverted to Owerri once daily)
Lagos - Kano: Five times a week
Abuja - Kano: Five times a week

For reservations, call (01) 460 0505; (01) 271 1111; (09) 461 0505; (084) 460505

For all press enquiries, please contact: corporatecommunications@virginnigeria.com

For media information in Nigeria only, please contact Corporate Communications, 3rd floor, Ark towers, Plot 17 Ligali Ayorinde Street, VI, or corpcomm@virginnigeria.com; 234 -1 – 2711144

For media information in the UK please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on 01293 747 373.