Virgin Atlantic Starts Service to London Heathrow

By Kai Rambow

Travel is back! Virgin Atlantic just started service between Tampa and London Heathrow.  It’s a first. Yes, there is British Airways, but their flight is to London Gatwick.  As busy as Heathrow is, most people prefer to fly in and out of there if they are flying to England.

A lovely surprise was the presence of Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic, a serial entrepreneur, and a multi-billionaire. His considerable, engaging communication skills were on full display.  When asked why Rolls-Royce engines on the aircraft, Branson replied, “We wanted to help a little British company.”  It was a funny response.  I believe there is only one engine choice for this newest version of aircraft.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic, enthusiastically helping launch the service between Tampa and London.

The aircraft that flew in was only 30 days old. Virgin Atlantic has ordered several A330-900s.  These will be used on the Tampa to London route.  New route; new aircraft. These new planes use significantly less fuel.

In the top photo: New international airline; new international route; new aircraft parked at Tampa’s airport.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

DECEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

DECEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Ring in the December holidays with the annual Golf Cart Parade, celebrate 60 Years of SCC, set sail on America’s Tall Ship, get to know some local clubs, remember a tireless volunteer who made a big difference, meet a local war...

SCC Celebrates 60 Years

SCC Celebrates 60 Years

SCC Celebrates 60 Years By Kai Rambow Sun City Center recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.  The event, spread out over a Sunday afternoon, had the added bonus of reuniting people.  “It’s been almost two years since we saw you,” was a...

Celebrate The Opening Of SCC

Celebrate The Opening Of SCC

Celebrate The Opening Of SCCA Special Invitation From The History Society, December 30By Ilona Merritt “Time flies when you’re having fun” … It seems like just yesterday that SCC celebrated our 50th anniversary. And what fun we had! Now, ten...

It’s a pretty big deal

It’s a pretty big deal

It’s a pretty big deal By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County I heard a whispered conversation in the dining room and pretended not to notice, busying myself preparing the evening meal. It was beef stew night, so the slow...

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade

“Together Again!” At the Holiday Golf Cart Parade   By Diane M. Loeffler Kick off the holiday season by attending the December 4 SCC Holiday Golf Cart Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. in the parking lot just south of the Security Patrol...

NOVEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

NOVEMBER 2021 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Enjoy our FallFest coverage, including nearly three pages of photos, learn the history of the popular Bandstand concerts, read our interviews with the candidates for SCC Community Association Board of Directors, get the latest...