MORE than 14,000 extra seats are to be available on services between Glasgow Airport and Florida.

Virgin Atlantic announced the increase in capacity of more than a third after it confirmed it would use a Boeing 747 plane for its 2014 programme.

The move means up to 54,600 people will be able to travel direct from Glasgow Airport to the Sunshine State in 2014, against 40,420 seats on sale this year.

The 455-seat jumbo jet will replace a 314-seat Airbus A330 for 60 return flights to Orlando International Airport between April and October.

In previous years the jumbo jet has been used only during the peak months of June and July when Scottish schools are on holiday.

Last month Virgin Atlantic announced it would also deploy the larger aircraft on the route this October for the first time to meet additional demand around the school holiday week.

Edmond Rose, Virgin Atlantic's director of airline planning, said: "Since we launched our Glasgow services six years ago we have seen a steady increase in demand and we are delighted to bring our iconic Boeing 747s on to the route for the full summer season.

"Glasgow is an important market for Virgin Atlantic."

Amanda McMillan, the airport's managing director, said: "That Virgin Atlantic is increasing capacity for 2014 by more than a third is a fantastic boost for Glasgow Airport and Scotland.

"The Boeing 747 is an iconic aircraft and we are delighted it will carry thousands more on their summer holiday next year."

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk