Virgin Atlantic Airways is planning to resume its services between London Heathrow and Chicago from April 23, 2007, after a five-and-a-half year lull. The carrier had stopped its services between the two destinations during the economic turmoil that followed the 9/11 incidents.

"We can't wait to fly to Chicago, the third biggest destination to the US from London, with nearly 2 million passengers travelling between the two cities each year. With its mix of business hotels and conference centres, and extensive festivals and events, Chicago is the ideal location for our business and leisure travelers," Virgin Atlantic chairman Richard Branson said.

The daily services - flight VS039 - will depart London Heathrow at 1115 and arrive at Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 1410. The service will depart Chicago at 1800 and arrive in London Heathrow at 0800 the following morning.

Virgin Atlantic will fly Airbus A340-300s, configured with 34 upper class suites, 35 premium economy seats and 171 economy seats.

Chicago is the third busiest long-haul route from the UK, after New York and Dubai. At present, British Airways, American Airlines and United Airlines operate on this route with hubs at O'Hare airport.

This would be the carrier's 28th destination worldwide and the 10th US gateway. Over 1.86 million travellers flew between London Heathrow and Chicago in 2005, making the city the third busiest destination from London, after New York's JFK and Dubai.

Virgin Atlantic's capacity to the US will increase by around 15 per cent with the daily Chicago and second daily Washington services, demonstrating the airline's strong commitment to US market and the enormous popularity of these transatlantic routes.

The airline is also introducing a second daily service between London Heathrow and Washington for the summer season from April 24, 2007. The carrier expects its capacity to US increase by around 15 per cent, after the commencing of the two new services.

Meanwhile, the carrier is also looking at cutting aviation fuel use by towing its Boeing 747-400 aircraft to take-off areas at London airports. Virgin Atlantic is looking at towing on an experimental basis, and the company believes that it could save upto two tonnes of fuel per flight.

The aircraft will be towed to Heathrow and Gatwick runways to cut fuel burning, for take-off and landing. This would help in reducing the engine time running before take off and after landing to 10 minutes.

Virgin Atlantic is working alongside airport operator BAA and National Air Traffic Services (Nats) during the trial. The tests would also be extended to first quarter of next year. The carrier is in talks with San Francisco, Los Angeles and JFK international airports for holding similar trials.