UK long-haul operator Virgin Atlantic is aiming to restore passenger services from 20 July, unveiling an initial set of routes to US and Asia-Pacific destinations.
Virgin Atlantic plans to add further routes in August.
The carrier says it will resume passenger operations from London Heathrow to Hong Kong and Orlando on 20 July, followed by New York JFK, Los Angeles, and Shanghai the following day.
“We are monitoring external conditions extremely closely, in particular the travel restrictions many countries have in place – including the 14-day quarantine policy for travellers entering the UK,” says chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen.
“We are calling for a multi-layered approach of carefully targeted public health and screening measures, which will allow for a successful and safe restart of international air travel for passengers and businesses.”
Virgin Atlantic intends to unveil additional destinations over the next two weeks which it will add to the route network from August.
The airline says that, like many carriers, it has enhanced cleaning practices at check-in, boarding gates, and on board its aircraft.
“Safe distancing will also be adhered to wherever possible, particularly at check-in and boarding – and where not possible, masks will be required,” it adds.
Customers will be provided with a personal “health pack”, it states, including medical-grade face-masks. “In the short term, we will also be offering a simplified hot food service on board to minimise contact,” the airline adds.
