27 March 08

VIRGIN NIGERIA COMMENCES FLIGHTS INTO LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT

Lagos, Nigeria: 27 March 2008: Effective March 29, passengers travelling aboard Virgin Nigeria to London will have the option of either flying direct to London Heathrow or London Gatwick airports, as Virgin Nigeria now operates into both airports in the United Kingdom.

London Heathrow airport is the renowned hub for world travel and is London and Europe’s busiest airport for passenger traffic as it handles flights to over 180 destinations in more than 90 countries.

Speaking on the commencement of scheduled direct flight operations to London Heathrow Airport, the CEO of Virgin Nigeria, Conrad Clifford expressed delight that Virgin Nigeria’s objective of offering more travel options to its numerous Customers who live either side of London has now materialised. These Customers can now easily access Virgin Nigeria’s flights from either airport, where they can make onward connections to their final destinations.

“The needs of our Customers are always at the forefront of our business decisions and we have been working to secure the rights to fly into London Heathrow” Mr Clifford stated.

Business class passengers aboard the Lagos to London Heathrow service will have access to Virgin Atlantic Airways’ award winning clubhouse as well as the option of chauffeur pick-up service and other thrills offered on the Gatwick route.

Virgin Nigeria is commencing flights to London Heathrow with a weekly daytime flight departing Lagos on Saturdays by 1325 hours and the inbound flight depart will depart London Heathrow same day at 2205 to arrive Lagos on Sundays by 0555. Virgin Nigeria will retain its normal flights from Lagos to London Gatwick. Flights from Lagos into London Gatwick are six times a week, departing Lagos at 2359 to arrive next day while inbound flights will depart London Gatwick at 1015.

Virgin Nigeria plans to increase flight frequency into London Heathrow airport as soon as it is allocated more slots by the British Airport Authority.



About Virgin Nigeria

Virgin Nigeria is Nigeria's private sector flag carrier, 51% owned by Nigerian institutional investors and 49% owned by Virgin Atlantic. The airline was formed in September 2004 when the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the selection of Virgin Atlantic Airways as the strategic investor and technical partner in this exciting project. With the mission of being a World Class Airline from the heart of Africa, Virgin Nigeria, has steadily developed a global network that serves domestic, regional and international routes from its operational hub at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

With a focus on improving the Customer’s Experience, Virgin Nigeria constantly develops innovative products for the Customer‘s Convenience. Some of these product innovations include the online booking and payment system which allows the Customer book from anywhere in world and make payments with an Interswitch debit card for people in Nigeria and most international credit and debit cards for persons in London.
 
At the just concluded Dubai Air Show, Virgin Nigeria announced an order for 24 Embraer aircraft. The order consists of E170s and E190s jets. Delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled for September 2008.

For more information, visit www.virginnigeria.com