Following the successful conclusion of bilateral talks between the British and Indian governments, both countries have agreed to add to their air services agreement.

The UK currently has 19 services operating to and from India, all of which are operated by British Airways. However, Virgin Atlantic has announced it is keen to take on the majority of flights allowed by the new deal; which will see seven services added this winter, a further seven next summer and another seven in winter 2005.

Virgin currently flies between London and Delhi three times a week under a codeshare agreement with Air India but aims to operate a daily service between London and Both Delhi and Mumbai under the new agreement.

“Virgin Atlantic is delighted with the results of the air services talks,” said Virgin boss Richard Branson. “We have always dreamed of operating more frequent services to Delhi and to launch new services to Mumbai and this agreement will enable us to turn this into a reality and follow it with services to other cities in India.” Details: www.virgin.com/atlantic