The carrier’s expansion includes the launch of a new direct service to Los Angeles and a doubling in the number of flights to Las Vegas.

It will also see Virgin Atlantic offering increased connections to the rest of the US to destinations such as Boston through its code-share agreement with Delta.

As a result of the growth, Virgin Atlantic will be offering customers up to 14,000 seats per week from Manchester to the US and Caribbean. 

A number of routes, including both New York and Atlanta, will be operated using a Boeing 747, the largest aircraft in Virgin Atlantic’s fleet. 

Virgin’s new LA route will fly three times weekly beginning on May 22, while its services to Las Vegas will grow from twice a week to four times a week from March 31.

The airline’s Boston service increases to three flights per week from May 22.

Shai Weiss, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’ve always said that Manchester is an important base for Virgin Atlantic and this latest expansion really cements that. 

“By putting our aircraft on our New York, Atlanta, Boston and now Los Angeles flights, we can really maximise connectivity through our partner Delta, allowing even more customers to take advantage of over 200 US connections.”

Julian Carr, aviation director at Manchester Airport, added: “It’s pleasing to see Virgin Atlantic continuing to grow from Manchester and we are delighted to see the carrier launch a service to Los Angeles.

“I am sure the extra services and new route will prove incredibly popular with the 22m passengers in our vast catchment area.”