The carrier will offer a seventh daily flight between Heathrow and New York, with joint venture partner Delta offering another two plus its Gatwick service. The additions mean an 11% capacity increase on the London-New York route.

Virgin will also operate a second daily flight to Boston, complementing Delta’s daily service.

The additions follow the delivery of new Airbus A330-900 and A350-1000 aircraft, increasing the number of Upper and Premium seats by 23% on these routes.

The A330-900 includes the Retreat Suite, comprising two suites at the front of the Upper Class cabin.

The new services complement the airline’s recent announcements increasing Miami services from 11 a week to twice daily year-round and a new seasonal summer service from Manchester to Las Vegas.  

Virgin’s enhanced schedule means a record number of departures to the US, with an average of 27 daily to destinations including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa and Washington.  
 
Juha Jarvinen, the airline’s chief commercial officer, said: “We’re excited to announce additional flying to our heartland in the USA for summer 2024.  
 
“By utilising our brand new A350 and A339 aircraft, our passengers can travel in style with Virgin Atlantic, as we commit to operating the routes that our customers love to fly.  
 
“With Boston and New York JFK being key business and leisure travel routes, customers can rely on Virgin Atlantic to connect them to these popular destinations as we offer more opportunities to travel with our expanded offering.”