Accra can be the only latest new route by Virgin until 2012

As reported on abtn news, British Airways rival, Virgin Atlantic Airline (VS) is likely to keep the number of destination same this year, meaning there is no new route addition expected in near future.

Though, it’s too early to say why the speedily growing and popular carrier has put a stop to its route expansion this year, however, rumours are that this can be an indication of a possible merger or sale. If the carrier chooses to follow in the steps of British Airways, such a possibility cannot be entirely ruled out.

Earlier this year, the national airline of UK and the longtime rival of Virgin Atlantic British Airways went into a merger with Spanish airline, Iberia that made headlines by scoring high in the capital market and opening up various new destinations across the globe.

Speculators predict that Virgin may be seeking an alliance in Latin America and expanding its network, primarily in Brazil. However, Paul Dickinson, Sales and Marketing director Virgin Atlantic cleared the air when speaking at the Business Travel & Meetings Show in London. At this occasion, he said: “We won’t be flying to Latin America this year, Part of that is our inability to secure slots at Heathrow.” Further, he added that “It’s consistently under review, but for the time being we are not close to joining an alliance, but it is something we are interested in.”

He also said that there would be no new routes this year. Instead, the airline will be concentrating more on its existing, mainly leisure routes. The airline is aiming at introducing some changes to its Upper-Class cabin in 2012 after its two new Airbus A330 twinjets are received. The changes can include up gradation of amenities like seating, entertainment systems and interiors.

Last year, Virgin Atlantic added flights to Accra, the capital of Ghana almost following the demise of Ghana International airline. Ghana International Airline (GIA) was the sole direct flight operator to Ghana from London until its suspension. Virgin’s Ghana route attracted immense popularity in no time. Speaking about Virgin’s flights to Africa, Mr Dickinson expressed that Africa is a very interesting continent and there is explosive economic growth there with the limited amount of air services to the continent.