In a press release issued today, Virgin Atlantic has revealed that it is expanding its onboard COVID-friendly food and beverage offerings from September 1. It comes as the airline also announced the addition of more routes to its network over the course of the month.
New food and drink service
Virgin Atlantic announced on Tuesday that it is increasing its food and beverage service from September 1. But that doesn't mean compromising on the safety of passengers or cabin crew. The airline has said that it will continue to ensure that interaction is kept to a minimum. From its preparation and packaging, the food will be in a COVID-safe controlled environment and monitored up to the moment it is served.
Economy and premium economy passengers can enjoy a hot food service with a "Fly safe, eat well" meal box. They will have a choice of three hot meals, a dessert pot, and cheese and biscuits. Upper Class passengers will also be offered three hot meal options, dessert, a cheese plate with crackers, and a ciabatta roll, all delivered to their seat on a tray.
Special meal options being offered from September 1 include lacto-ovo vegetarian and kosher. To be added from October 1 are vegan, halal, gluten-friendly, and low lactose meals, among others.
Second meal service offerings
On daytime flights from the UK, the airline will offer a second meal service that includes Mile High Tea, in collaboration with celebrity pâtissier Eric Lanlard. Upper Class passengers will be offered a glass of chilled Champagne to accompany the service.
On night flights, the second service will offer a selection of hot breakfast meals, seasonal fresh fruit, and a sweet pastry in Upper Class. Economy and Premium travelers will receive a breakfast box with a warm pastry, yogurt and fruit. Breakfast will be accompanied by PG Tips tea or Change Please coffee.
Drinks and snacks
In Upper Class, the alcohol service has been expanded to include miniature spirits and mixers, Champagne, beer, and wine. In Economy and Premium, there's a choice of beer, wine, and miniature spirits and mixers. A range of non-alcoholic beverages are also offered of course.
Virgin Atlantic is reintroducing a variety of upscale savory and sweet snacks throughout the flight for passengers in Upper Class. The snacks include Olly's Olives, Corkers crisps, watermelon candy, and Sweet and Salty cloud corn. Premium passengers will be offered the Wander Wall range of snacks, while those in economy can upgrade their meal box to include snacks.
Virgin Atlantic adds new routes
In its press release, Virgin Atlantic also announced five new routes that are being added to its network from September 1, departing from London Heathrow Airport.
On September 1, the airline begins three weekly flights to Delhi; from September 6, three weekly flights to Tel Aviv; from September 10, four flights weekly to Lagos, three flights weekly to Atlanta from September 15; and from September 16, four flights a week to Mumbai.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said,
“We’re continually reviewing our network and as countries begin to open up their borders, we’re introducing more and more flying. We can’t wait to welcome our customers back onboard and flying them safely to their destinations, Whilst our services may temporarily be a little different and our crew will be wearing masks, they will be smiling behind them and working incredibly hard to deliver the experience we know our customers love.”
The pandemic is by no means over, but Virgin Atlantic's meal service and new routes are a small move towards some kind of normality in air travel.
Are you hoping to try out Virgin Atlantic's new food offerings soon? Let us know in the comments.