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A round-up of the latest news from the Virgin network
This year we celebrate our 10th birthday. Virgin Express was launched in April 1996 when Richard Branson’s Virgin Group acquired 90% of EBA Express and transformed the airline into one of Europe’s leading low-cost brands. Branson’s aims were to make flying the most convenient, comfortable and best value way to travel around Europe. Now it’s 2006 and we’ve lost none of that original passion, our punctuality performance is above 90% most of the time, out customers are happy and we still manage to keep prices low. As for the future, following the common ownership of Virgin Express and SN Brussels Airlines in May 2005, there are big plans afoot to offer our customers more flight opportunities at a price they like. May we take this opportunity to thank all of you for flying with Virgin Express over the years!
Please note that there is a stunning new state-of-the-art terminal at Madrid’s Barajas airport, designed by award-winning architectural firm Richard Rogers Partnership. Aside from admiring this structure, it’s important for you to know that this means all Virgin Express flights no longer depart from Terminal 1, but now depart from Terminal 4.
Whilst travelling by Virgin Express you may notice some funny little devices that we’ve added to the ends of the wings on our planes. These are called Winglets and increase the efficiency of the aircraft by lowering the lift-induced drag caused by wingtip vortices. Sounds complicated, but all you need to know is one of our major considerations is to ensure that we remain dedicated to environmental considerations. Virgin Express is the first airline to introduce these features in Europe.
We are happy to report that the new improved website – www.Virgin-Express.com – has over 25,000 unique visitors per day. In 2005, a staggering 78% of the passengers on board any 747 booked their tickets on-line. Just a year ago this figure was only 65%, so well done to all of you for making the most of the convenience of booking online and getting the best value flights. Don’t forget when booking you have the added option of paying only an extra €10 for more leg room or super-sizing your seat. Additionally, for €2.50 you can choose your preferred seat, which is a great facility for groups, families and any of you inseparable lovers! Compared to the usual ‘survival of the fittest’ boarding procedure of the other low cost airlines this makes Virgin Express the most civilised way to travel. Log on now to www.Virgin-Express.com and take control of your journey with us.
For those of you travelling in a group do you know we have very flexible group conditions? We have a highly qualified team ready to serve your needs with a smile. Perhaps as an incentive for your company you would like to organise staff trips to amazing European cities, or you just fancy a leisure trip away with some friends? Providing you are a gang of ten passengers of more travelling on the same flights, we can offer you great conditions. For further information call the contact centre, or contact us at www.virgin-express.com/en/Buyonline/groupreservations
Sicilian summer
Due to the increased popularity of Sicily, we have introduced our second Virgin Express destination on the island. Flights to Palermo will begin on the 28th March and run throughout the summer season. The initial introduction of this destination raised a lot of interest so a third date was added on Wednesdays, to the existing dates of Tuesdays and Thursdays. Now there’s no excuse not to explore this magical isle. To read more about this sunny destination turn to our guide (page 152) and the feature on Sicily’s wonderful food markets (page 52).
Northern exposure
Three cool new destinations have been added to the Virgin Express network: Copenhagen, Hamburg and Munich. We are very excited to be adding these cities in Northern Europe to our Virgin Express schedule, these will be operational throughout the summer and are proof that Brussels International Airport is an increasingly important international hub. Turn to pages 128, 134 and 144 to read about these new destinations.
Fly and drive
From 3rd January 2006 Hertz became our new car rental partner serving the whole of the Virgin Express network. Hertz is the world’s largest car rental company with over 7,400 branches in more than 150 countries. With a range of vehicles to suit all requirements and at great rates, Hertz offer the price you want from the brand you trust. To reserve your vehicle, or find out more about exclusive offers for Virgin Express look for the car deals on our destination pages, or choose from this overview.
Dear Virgin Express,
You’re close to being perfect. Keep up the great job. You’re making people’s life so much better. Thank you.
Joao Pedro Taborda (Parede, Portugal)
To whom it may concern, I really love flying with Virgin Express. We flew with your company from Barcelona to Brussels and it was the first time for us with your company. The service at the airport and on the plane was fantastic. So we’d like to pass on our compliments to your airline and it will certainly not be the last time we fly with Virgin. Keep up the good work.
Janet Bombeeck (Vlijmen, The Netherlands)
Dear Sirs, All went well as far as departure and arrival time are concerned and staff are very kind, but instructions and information could be given in French above all on the Nice-Brussels flight. On a more positive note, the seating for a disabled passengers is perfect and there was very good service both at the airport and on board. My husband is in a wheelchair and your staff were great in helping him.
Sneyers, De Pav (Turnhout, Belgium)
To all Virgin Express personnel My family and I often fly Virgin Express from Lisbon to Brussels. I would like to particularly congratulate the quality of the service from Mrs. Katia Botelho at Lisbon Airport. I have worked for the Portuguese public radio service for many years as Information, Marketing and Communication Director and I would like my employees to be as professional as Mrs Botelho. Best regards, Luis Ochoa (Brussels, Belgium)
Dear Virgin Express, Last Saturday I was scheduled on the flight 310 to Nice; at the gate I realized I had left my mobile phone at the restaurant. The gate attendant called the restaurant and made arrangements to have the phone delivered to the Lost and Found. Unfortunately, I do not know his name, but I hope that you will thank him, Michael Bolen and Ann Francken on my behalf for their precious assistance, that is the realisation of a “Mission Statement” that you should be proud of!!!
Steven Craig Sowers (Mougins, France)
Dear Sir/Madam Due to a traffic jam in Barcelona we missed our flight, so we’d like to offer our thanks for giving us a free flight on the next one. What goodwill from Virgin! I always enjoyed flying with you and this friendly gesture has only confirmed my confidence in your company.
Anne Luyten (Belgium)
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