British carrier Virgin Atlantic has returned to profits and higher revenue since last year, with its earnings on the India route being a prime factor.

Announcing a total pre-tax profit of £18.5 million and a 13 per cent rise in its revenues, the airline said its revenues on the London Heathrow-Delhi route was “driven largely by sales in India” with the demand remaining high with a positive 80 per cent seat load factor.

All this happened despite the ash cloud crisis and winter closure of Heathrow airport that cost a combined £40 million, the airline said in a statement here.

“Virgin Atlantic in India has made a positive contribution to the airline’s overall 2010-11 results,” Mr Michael Burke, Country Manager in India, said.

“Loyalty to Virgin Atlantic continues to grow. Last year we saw a 13 per cent growth in our Delhi to London business reflecting a rebound in confidence particularly in the business travel sector,” Mr Burke said.

The airline also announced a 39 per cent hike in its cargo revenues, a £100 million investment in creation of new products and 1,000 additional jobs.

Virgin’s Chief Executive Mr Steve Ridgway said, “Whilst we have been very focused on trading the airline back to profitability, we have worked hard to introduce new aircraft, new routes and extra rotations to the existing network where there has been high demand.”

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