Virgin Atlantic announced it will start flying between London Gatwick and Puerto Rico’s San Juan for the winter season 2009/2010. The weekly services, which will operate via Antigua, begin on 7 November 2009.

Puerto Rico will complement the airline’s strong presence in the Caribbean with existing flights to Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Tobago, Havana and Jamaica.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic commented: “We are delighted to be flying to Puerto Rico, popularly known as the Island of Enchantment, this winter. This colourful, diverse and culturally unique island is a welcome addition to our Caribbean programme. From the stunning beaches and tropical rainforests to the charming colonial city of San Juan, there is something for every holidaymaker.

“The launch of these services allows our sister company Virgin Holidays to offer a range of fantastic cruise holidays from the island, meaning that even more Virgin travellers can enjoy what this beautiful island has to offer.”

The new Puerto Rico flight will operate on Saturdays from 7 November 2009 to 24 April 2010. From 7 November 2009 to 27 March 2010 flight VS081 will depart from London Gatwick at 09:25 and arrive in San Juan at 16.05.  Between 3 April 2010 and 24 April 2010 the flight will depart Gatwick at 09:25 and arrive San Juan at 15:05. On return, from 7th November 2009 to 27th March 2010, flight VS082 departs San Juan at 18.35 and arrives at London Gatwick at 09:35 the following day. From 3 April 2010 to 24 April 2010 the flight will depart San Juan at 17:35 and arrives at London Gatwick at 09:35 the following day. The scheduled flights are operated on a Boeing 747-400 aircraft via Antigua and will have a configuration of 14 Upper Class, 58 Premium Economy and 379 Economy seats. Virgin Atlantic currently flies to 30 destinations worldwide. The airline carried nearly six million passengers last year and has 38 aircraft in its modern fleet.