STRONG business on the Dubai-London route has prompted Virgin Atlantic to consider adding more capacity to the sector, perhaps with a new flight.
“Our long-term plan is undoubtedly to introduce a new frequency from Dubai to London. This would depend on a number of factors including having the right aircraft, probably the 787s, which will arrive in 2014, more slots at Heathrow airport and more importantly demand to sustain it,” said Brad West, general manager for the UAE and the Middle East. The Boeing 787 would be the right fit and with the year that we have had, it makes the case more compelling.
The airline has seen business on the route rise a whopping 17 per cent, he revealed. Weíve seen a very good year here in Dubai. The strong growth in passenger numbers was across all three cabins. While official numbers are yet to be released we think this is going to be our best results to date. There are some depressed markets and some more positive markets. The cost of oil is definitely weighing everyone down heavily, he said.
We started 2012 on a high note too and forward loads are looking strong too. Putting tough times behind, Dubai and the region are definitely looking positive this year, he added.
Looking ahead, West agreed with the general opinion that traffic would be affected over the summer ñ particularly with Ramadan coinciding with the London Olympics. People will still travel to London, he added. With the UAE qualifying for Football, we expect to see some travel. I think the real positive of that event will be after the Games. It will be from people wanting to visit London after all the public exposure London will receive during the games.
Demand from the region is sure to pick up late summer, post Ramadan in that period of two weeks before schools restart.