Airport change as Virgin takes over Air Jamaica slots

Virgin Atlantic has a new code sharing agreement with Air Jamaica

LONDON, England, November 16, 2007 - Virgin Atlantic flights to Barbados from London during the winter tourism season are to originate from a different airport in England and operate later times.

The change comes are a deal was signed for Virgin Atlantic purchased Air Jamaica's Heathrow slots.

It also follows a code-sharing agreement between the two which takes effect from Sunday which essentially means that there should be increased flights between London and Jamaica. Passengers may find that they book an "Air Jamaica" flight but actually fly on Virgin Atlantic.

It was one of the deals which the Jamaican carrier sought as it looked for new financing.

Passengers travelling to and from Barbados on or between these dates should check in on line or at the self serve check in kiosks in Terminal 3 at London Heathrow and then go to the bag drop desks nearby. (We regret Twilight check in is not available).

Virgin Atlantic said that between December 11, 2007 and March 17, 2008 its flights to Barbados are moved from Gatwick airport to Terminal 3 of Heathrow airport.

On Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays its flight VS29 from London will now leave at 1250pm GMT arriving Barbados at 535pm EST.

On Mondays and Fridays, it will leave at 205pm GMT and arrive Grantley Adams International Airport at 650pm EST.

On Tuesdays, it leaves at 335pm GMT arriving at 820pm EST.

Currently, flights depart Gatwick at 1000am GMT arriving Barbados at 245pm EST.

On the return journey, VS30 will leave Barbados on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1030pm EST and arrives in London Heathrow at 1035am GMT the next day.

On Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays it leaves at 1055pm EST arriving the following day at 1100am GMT.