Agency approves Virgin Atlantic’s planned London-Las Vegas route

Monday, Dec. 20, 1999 | 11:15 a.m.

The U.S. Department of Transportation approved Virgin Atlantic Airlines' plan for nonstop flights between Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport and Gatwick International Airport in London.

The agency's approval of the route was considered the last major hurdle the British airline needed to clear to inaugurate the service, which has been planned for about three years. British aviation authorities approved the route three months ago.

Flights begin June 8. Virgin Atlantic will operate round-trip flights on Boeing 747 jumbo jets Thursdays and Sundays.

The 10 1/2-hour flights will leave London at 12:30 p.m., arriving in Las Vegas at 3:15 p.m. Return flights leave Las Vegas at 6:05 p.m., arriving in London at 11:55 a.m. the following day.

Ticket prices haven't been set, but travelers can make reservations on flights beginning today.

Separately, Virgin Atlantic owner Richard Branson sold a 49 percent interest in the airline to Singapore Airlines for $960.4 million. Branson will retain control of Virgin Atlantic. Virgin officials say the sale will not affect the Las Vegas route.