Flynavy From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Posted (6 years 4 months 18 hours ago) and read 1875 times:
Browsing the Virgin Atlantic website this morning, I noticed something odd - at their careers section, under location, they have Norfolk listed. There currently aren't any openings, but I thought it was interesting. With the upcoming Jamestown 2007 celebration, and Monarch's upcoming charters into ORF, could VS be looking at taking a bite, too? I also noticed that Norfolk is now listed on Virgin-Atlantic.com's drop down lists. Surely this must be related?
When Monarch's 767 lands in Norfolk in May, it will utilize gate 1, Norfolk's only international gate, but will not be a daily service, leaving the gate open on other days of the week.
Or, will VS just rely on its Continental code-share to funnel people to Norfolk via EWR/JFK/IAD?
Flynavy From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 1, posted (6 years 4 months 18 hours ago) and read 1862 times:
Here is the press release, concerning Monarch's MSE-ORF flights.
Quote: Media Contact: Kenneth R. Scott
Executive Director
757-857-3351
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORFOLK INTERNATIONAL SET FOR DIRECT LINK TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
NORFOLK, Va. – (July 20, 2006) – As a result of a Memorandum of Understanding between theCommonwealth of Virginia and Kent, England to promote economic development ties, the Norfolk Airport Authority and the Kent County Council in England have reached an agreement to initiate nonstop air service between the two communities, more greatly facilitating access for business and leisure travelers.
The weekly charter service from Norfolk International is proposed to begin in May 2007 and operate through October 2007 in conjunction with Jamestown 2007 commemoration events. It is hoped that the success of the program could lead to sustained service beyond that time. Monarch Airlines, a well-known charter airline in the UK, will operate the flights. The lead tour operators will be Cosmos in Great Britain and CI Travel in the United States.
Airport Authority chairman Peter G. Decker, Jr. states, “The history of England and Virginia is legendary. This is a tremendous opportunity to be the air gateway for international visitors coming to the Jamestown 2007 festivities, and also for local travelers to see one of the most beautiful parts of Great Britain.” Kent, known as the Garden of England, is 60 miles southeast of London and home to such attractions as Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle, and the white cliffs of Dover. “The selection of CI Travel, Cosmos and Monarch as the airline and tour operator team is important because of their reputations for providing extremely affordable vacations for their customers” he said.
Decker further states, “The Kent County Council’s commitment of equal support for this new service bolsters our belief in the program’s potential success. This action by the Airport Authority fulfills elements of the charter of the Authority to aid in the development and increase of the commerce of the City of Norfolk, the Hampton Roads region and the Commonwealth, as well as encouraging tourism and economic development which will increase public revenues, create additional employment opportunities and provide convenient and economical air travel.”
Further details regarding the pricing of flights and packages to Kent, England will be available soon. To be placed on the waiting list for updated information when the tickets are available for purchase, contact
CI Travel toll-free at 888-627-8011 or UKflights@citravel.com.
Norfolk International Airport is the major airport serving southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. Current scheduled airlines serving Norfolk International are American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Southwest, United Express and US Airways.
###
Virginia to Great Britain Direct Air Service
Fact Sheet
Service
The proposed service would operate once weekly between Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and Kent International Airport (MSE), 60 miles east-southeast of London. The service would begin in May 2007 and operate through October 2007.
Airline
The service would be provided by well-known UK-based charter airline Monarch Airlines. Depending on passenger demand the service would either be operated on Airbus A330 or Boeing 767ER aircraft with the following seat configuration:
?? Airbus A330 – 323 economy seats and 51 premium seats for a total of 374 available seats.
?? Boeing 767ER – 271 economy seats and 38 premium seats for a total of 309 available seats.
Preliminary Flight Schedule
26 weeks beginning Wednesday May 2, 2007 – all times local
Depart Kent 12:30 P.M.
Arrive Norfolk 3:50 P.M.
Depart Norfolk 5:30 P.M.
Arrive Kent 6:00 A.M. (Thursday)
Funding Support
The proposed service is to be jointly supported by funding from the Norfolk Airport Authority and the Kent County Council. The Airport Authority is prepared to commit up to $750,000 to be matched by the Kent County Council, which will fund various facets of the project including the aircraft deposit, setup of Cosmos’ fulfillment capability (staff, web presence, and sales), public marketing of the service by Cosmos and CI Travel, and consultant fees.
Sponsor Message: 
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