Earlier this month many residents of England celebrated the UK Government’s easing of Covid restrictions in the nation’s bars and restaurants, and the celebrations can continue in the sky, as Virgin Atlantic is reopening its onboard bars for the first time in 15 months.
The social spaces, open to Upper Class passengers, will reopen on all Green and Amber routes across the airline’s worldwide network, including Antigua, Barbados and Grenada.
The Upper Class social zones will retain a few more Covid-safety measures than the UK’s pubs though, with facemasks required unless eating or drinking, and social distancing remaining in place where possible.
Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s chief customer and operations officer said, “Our on-board bars and social spaces are a signature part of our Upper Class experience so I’m delighted we’re finally able to reopen them to our customers, where they can enjoy a drink and catch up with friends. I know our cabin crew teams can’t wait to get back to providing our customers with the full Upper Class service we’re famous for and that’s been missed by many over the last 15 months.”
The news follows the reopening of Heathrow’s Terminal Three – home to Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse – after being closed for 15 months. On 19 July the airline also reopened its Clubhouse at New York JFK airport, with Plaza Premium Group now responsible for its day-to-day running under a new partnership. Virgin Atlantic will also work with Plaza Premium for its Clubhouses in Boston, San Francisco, Washington and Johannesburg once they reopen as travel restrictions around the world start to relax.
“We look forward to expanding our partnership with Plaza Premium Group to our Clubhouses in North America and South Africa,” stated Koster. “Our shared values of top-notch hospitality, the most hospitable teams in the industry, a pioneering mindset and dedication to innovation will ensure our customers enjoy every moment of their journey as travel restrictions begin to relax and demand for global travel returns fast.”
