Virgin Atlantic Launches Boston Route

In June 1991, we launched a daily scheduled service between London Gatwick Airport and Boston Logan International Airport, adding another destination to Virgin Atlantic's growing transatlantic network. The route expanded our presence in the northeastern United States, building on our existing services to Newark and New York JFK and providing passengers with a direct connection between London and Boston. The launch followed several years of preparation, including the granting of a UK route licence in July 1987. Boston offered opportunities to serve both business and leisure travellers, connecting the United Kingdom with a major centre for education, commerce and tourism in New England. Introducing a daily service allowed us to establish a regular presence in the market while offering an alternative to existing transatlantic carriers. The Boston route formed part of a wider period of network and fleet expansion. During 1991, we also increased our Boeing 747 fleet and began operations from London Heathrow, although the Boston service initially remained at Gatwick. The addition of Boston extended our coverage of the US East Coast and supported the development of our scheduled long-haul operations.