Virgin Atlantic shakes up the airline's samba, er, safety regulations

British airline Virgin Atlantic is known for its zingy commercials and this safety video spoof to promote a new route mixes it with the best of them - agree or disagree? The airline is due to launch flights between London Heathrow and Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport, Brazil next year. The 11 hr and 55 min flight will operate on a Boeing 787 aircraft daily from 13 May 2024 and marks the first ever route for the airline to the South American continent. In the pacey ad, which takes the form of a re-imagined samba-style 'safety video', professional performers acounce the news with startling moves and flamboyant costumes busting out all over. Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke, AJ Pritchard, and Brazilian actress and model, Juliana Paes do the honours as astonished passengers look on. "We’re so excited to be flying to São Paulo, Brazil," says the brand, part of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin family of companies. "Home of samba, caipirinhas, beaches, beautiful natural wonders and rich architectural history. The first flights take off in May 2024 and go on sale soon. Viva!" And it's not just about the passengers: as Virgin points out, "Brazil’s position of being the number one import and export country in South America will also make São Paulo a popular cargo route. With multiple tonnes of capacity each day, Virgin Atlantic expects to carry regular shipments of car parts, pharmaceuticals, food and agricultural products, contributing to the £7.7 billion in annual trade between the two countries". What do you think of the ad? Strikes the right note of unpredictability, sensuality, and sparkle?

Keywords: Virgin Atlantic Sao Paulo 2024, Transatlantic routes Virgin Atlantic, samba, Brazilian culture, air travel, Heathrow to Sao Paulo