Virgin Atlantic is to operate its first ever route to South America after announcing plans to fly to Sao Paulo in Brazil from next spring.

The UK long-haul carrier will launch the daily Heathrow-Sao Paulo service from 13 May 2024 using Boeing 787 aircraft, as it continues to expand operations post-pandemic. The aircraft will be configured with 31 Upper Class, 35 premium economy and 192 economy seats. 

Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “Flying to Sao Paulo, Brazil represents so much more than just a new route. It’s the gateway to South America and signifies exciting new growth for Virgin Atlantic. 

“After our plans to launch a route to Sao Paulo were scuppered by the pandemic, we’re so excited to be able to finally provide our customers with an opportunity to explore a fantastic new continent that is buzzing with adventure.” 

The airline’s codeshare with South American carrier LATAM means it will be able to offer onward connections to 12 domestic destinations in Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. 

Virgin is also to expand its services to India with the addition of a new daily route to Bengaluru (Bangalore), which is due to start from 31 March 2024. 

India has been Virgin’s largest growth destination outside the US since 2019 with the airline’s capacity increasing by 250 per cent over this period. Bengaluru will the carrier’s third Indian destination – it already flies from London to both Mumbai and Delhi.

The latest new routes were announced just days after Virgin Atlantic revealed its plans to resume flying from London to Dubai later this year. The airline will also introduce flights between Manchester and Las Vegas in summer 2024.