Virgin Atlantic is expanding its service to the island of Jamaica, with plans for a new route from Manchester in November. 

Beginning Nov. 6, Virgin Atlantic will operate thrice-weekly flights between Manchester and Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport. 

The carrier is also expanding its flights from Manchester to Barbados. 

“We’re thrilled to announce that we have added Jamaica to our portfolio of destinations flying from Manchester, our home in the north, along with increasing frequency to Barbados,” said Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic. “We are seeing a real demand from our customers in the northwest for luxury holidays in the sun as they are keen to escape on their next adventure after a challenging year.”

The new Manchester-Montego Bay flights will be operated on Airbus A330-300 aircraft. 

The planes will include 31 Upper Class, 48 Premium and 185 Economy (including Delight, Classic and Light seats(. 

The route will go on sale on Aug. 18. 

“We are heartened by Virgin Atlantic’s decision to begin offering a new airlift service between Montego Bay and Manchester, England this November,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. “This thrice-weekly flight will be a great addition to the numerous new and returning flights the island has been welcoming this year, as we continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic. We look forward to warmly welcoming British passengers from Manchester starting this November, to enjoy a truly unforgettable Jamaican experience, in an environment which is safe, seamless and secure.”

— CJ