Virgin Atlantic has confirmed a new route to Sao Paulo, launching in 2020.

Earlier this morning the carrier had posted the following tweet:

“Guess what? We’re announcing a new destination today! Can you work out where it might be?

🗺 New continent for Virgin Atlantic
🌏 In the Southern Hemisphere
🍕 Has more than 6,000 pizzerias
⚽ Famous for football”

And Virgin has now confirmed that the new service will operate between Heathrow and Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport from 2020, with tickets going on sale later this year.

The daily year-round service will be the carrier’s first South American route, and will be operated by B787-9 aircraft, configured for 31 Upper Class seats, with 35 in Premium, and 192 in economy.

Commenting on the news Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic Executive Vice President – Commercial, said:

“2019 marks the start of a new phase of growth for Virgin Atlantic as we work to become the most loved travel company. São Paulo represents an incredible opportunity for our business, and we’re very excited to be flying to a brand new continent for the first time.

“There are a significant number of corporate customers, and multi-national businesses, located in this Powerhouse of South America who can now enjoy the Virgin Atlantic experience on this busy international route.”

“But it’s not all about business – I’m also thrilled to introduce an exciting new destination to our leisure customers. São Paulo boasts numerous cultural institutions such as the Museu de Arte, has a rich architectural history, and acts as a gateway for leisure travel within the rest of Brazil and beyond.

“This is a prime opportunity for Virgin Holidays who are busy securing a range of ancillary partners and diverse accommodation options for those customers seeking a full-service holiday offering.”

Virgin will join British Airways and LATAM on the Heathrow-Sao Paulo route.

virginatlantic.com