TORONTO — Virgin Atlantic has named Stephen Goulding as its Canada Country Manager.

In the new role Goulding will support the airline’s strategic growth in Canada, most immediately with the launch of its daily service between Toronto and London Heathrow and in connecting markets across the world.

Goulding’s 25+ year career in the travel industry includes various leadership roles with the WestJet Group.

“I am thrilled to join the North American team at Virgin Atlantic and expand the airline’s footprint in Canada,” said Goulding.

“Alongside our joint venture partners at Delta and the team at WestJet, we look forward to successful growth and customer acquisition in the Canadian marketplace driving excitement for travel with Virgin Atlantic to London, India and beyond,” he added.

Virgin Atlantic first announced its return to Toronto back in June 2024. The daily direct YYZ-LHR flights are set to launch March 30, 2025.

As Simon Hawkins, Vice President of the Americas, Virgin Atlantic, noted in a follow up press conference in Toronto in August 2024, the new route will reinforce the airline’s commitment to the Indian subcontinent and its third largest market with optimal onward connectivity for Canadians travelling to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, as well as Tel Aviv, Lagos, and Johannesburg via LHR.

“We are pleased to welcome Stephen to our commercial team and know he’ll be instrumental in driving our Canadian growth and development,” said Hawkins. “As we continue to champion our premium, personalized experience and London as a destination, we believe there is no one better suited to build excitement and ambition around our product for Canadian customers. We look forward to seeing all he’ll bring to our Americas team.”

Virgin Atlantic’s return to Toronto comes 24 years or so after the carrier promoted its brand new flights out of Toronto in summer 2001. That service was suspended post-9/11. In the early 2010s Virgin Atlantic also offered flights out of Vancouver.