Virgin gives passengers unrivalled view of total solar eclipse
Virgin Atlantic is claiming to have given passengers on a flight from London to Miami the best view of yesterday’s long-awaited total solar eclipse.
Flight VS5 from Heathrow circled at 35,000 to allow passengers an unclouded view the total eclipse, the first to take place coast to coast in America in 99 years.
All 260 passengers on board the Virgin Atlantic aircraft were given special eclipse glasses to watch the event safely, and the airline worked with Wi-Fi provider Panasonic to boost the signal on board – enabling customers to share their photos on social media under the hashtag #livefromvirgin
Virgin Atlantic Captain Jason Shergold said: "I’ve been flying for 31 years, and seen some incredible sights from the flight deck – but watching a total solar eclipse at 35,00ft was one of the most amazing experiences that any pilot could have. It was a real honour to captain this special eclipse flight and share the experience with our customers on our way to Miami."
Malcolm Sutherland from Virgin Atlantic, said: "It’s rare enough to catch a glimpse of an eclipse on the ground~ so to see one at 35,000ft is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. The eclipse is visible for just over a 100 mile radius so when we realised the VS5 flight to Miami would fly into this area at exactly the right time it caused quite a bit of excitement.~ We have worked with the pilots and air traffic control to track the eclipse for as long as possible – giving our customers and crew one of the best views in the world!"
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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