Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to double the number of direct flights from Belfast to Orlando

Airline Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to double the number of direct flights from Belfast to Orlando from four to eight next year. The company launched a service of a limited number of seasonal flights from Belfast International to Orlando in 2015.

However, from next year, there will be two flights every seven days over the four-week summer period.

Uel Hoey, the airport’s business development director, said: “Belfast International Airport is delighted that Virgin has taken this decision, which is a real vote of confidence in the Northern Ireland market. There is strong business here for a combination of a quality airline service and an unwaveringly popular leisure destination, as is evident through both customer uptake and feedback from research.”

“We are experiencing solid double-digit growth in passenger numbers, and alongside our other airlines Virgin Atlantic is helping to drive that business.”

The first of Virgin Atlantic’s current four direct flights to Orlando from Belfast International begins today.

The Belfast to Orlando service is part of Virgin Atlantic’s joint venture partnership with Delta Air Lines.

A Boeing 747-400 aircraft is being used to carry passengers on this year’s flights. It consists of 14 upper class seats, 66 premium economy seats and 375 seats in economy.

Belfast Telegraph