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George Bernard Shaw reportedly said that England and America are two countries separated by the same language. If so, it may be time for Utahns to brush up on their English.
Beginning May 1, a joint venture of Delta and Virgin Atlantic Airways will offer seasonal nonstop flights between Salt Lake City International Airport and London's Heathrow Airport.
"For the second summer in a row, Delta will be launching new routes that give customers more options when flying between the United States and the U.K.," said Nat Pieper, a senior vice president for Delta.
Salt Lake City becomes the eighth U.S. destination for Delta from Heathrow.
Delta also operates the most flights of any airline in Salt Lake City, offering more than 50 destinations — including Paris and Amsterdam.
Delta notes that passengers traveling in the first-class Delta One cabin will "enjoy full flat-bed seats and a range of personalized dining options. Additionally, all passengers will have access to on-demand, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity."
A news release said flights to London from Salt Lake City will depart at 8:10 p.m daily. Also, flights from Heathrow to Utah will depart at 2:15 p.m. local time.
Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, said the new flight is another "demonstration of Utah's economic strength and growing business influence."
He added, "Connecting Utah's business community with a global city like London will bring even greater prosperity to the Beehive State. Economically, connections like these matter.... Salt Lake City serving as a hub that connects the international business community is important to our state's growth."
The joint venture between Delta and Virgin Atlantic also will offer new flights between Edinburgh, Scotland, and New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport beginning May 26.