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Our story
Since Virgin Atlantic launched, it’s held the imagination of the travelling public
It’s easy to look to things like innovative products and services, glamorous destinations and charismatic crew in bright red uniforms as the reasons for our success. But these are just part of our story. The personality and language of our brand plays a major role too, and to get a grasp on why, it’s useful to look at our past.
When we first started flying in 1984, the world was changing rapidly. In the UK, boom time had arrived, and a lot of people had more money to spend, with a greater desire to explore the world. The airline world hadn’t changed much at all and there wasn’t much choice, each country only had its state owned legacy airline. Expensive, with little emphasis on the customers’ needs, if you needed to get somewhere, you only had one airline to choose from. And what a dull, grey experience that was.
The time was right for someone to come in and shake things up. And did we ever.
With a parent brand that had owned a music label and record stores, we used marketing and public relations to our advantage. Using the same skill we’d developed promoting the likes of Culture Club and Simple Minds, we set out to inspire the public to fly with us. We flew to desirable destinations. We came up with innovative new products and services that would make the journey much more fun. We hired happy people with lively personalities to be our cabin crew. And we didn’t charge the earth.
We gave people a choice. A bright red, fun, friendly, fabulous choice that made travel attainable for everyone. Back then, our personality was cheeky and over the top. We were a tiny airline up against much bigger players. We needed to use quite radical language to get attention. We were the airline that loudly proclaimed ‘BA doesn’t give a shiatsu’ to promote our onboard massages. ‘Play with yourself’ was the way we chose to advertise the first ever seatback games. Not exactly subtle, but it got us noticed.
Richard Branson, our enthusiastic chairman, did anything to get attention for his businesses, including hot air ballooning, abseiling down Manhattan high rises or kissing Spice Girls. The more he got in the news for his adventures, the more Virgin Atlantic became renowned as the airline you flew if you wanted an adventure. His personality became our airline’s personality. ‘Screw it, let’s do it’ was Richard’s philosophy, and it served us well too as we grew, launching new destinations and taking on the airline world with our emphasis on exceptional service. As we arrived in new markets, his fame had often beaten us there, and it was easy for us to tap into his personality to establish ours.
Throughout the 80s and early 90s, we continued to lead the pack. Sleepy legacy carriers were too slow, or too entrenched in their ways to catch up with us. And even if they did, we’d dream up something even more innovative. As our business established itself in markets appealing to business travellers, then our personality slowly had to change too. The cheeky language we’d employed to encourage people to fly with us on their holidays was no longer quite as appropriate to talk to a business audience. That said, we still managed to promote our seatback screens as ‘nine inches of pure pleasure.’
But as much as people enjoyed flying with us, we didn’t fly everywhere, so they often had to fly with somebody else. Eventually, our success led to the rest of the airline world starting to match our products and service. So the differences started to become, well, not that different.
As well as that, alliances like oneworld® and the Star Alliance arrived on the scene, with legacy carriers linking together to offer their passengers access to an even greater network, seamless travel and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits. While we made some moves to link up with others, we felt our strength was in our independence.
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11 Jun 24
NEWS
Virgin Atlantic returning to CanadaVirgin Atlantic is celebrating a milestone of 40 years of flying. Four decades ago, the ...Read moreVirgin Atlantic returning to Canada - News & announcementsVirgin Atlantic is celebrating a milestone of 40 years of flying. Four decades ago, the airline offered £99 tickets from London to Newark on a second hand Boeing 747. Virgin Atlantic is now celebrating its Ruby Anniversary. At the same time, it marked the launch of its 15th service to the US, as it commenced flights between Manchester and Las Vegas. The new service complements the airline's existing daily service to Las Vegas from London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic is also restarting Canada flights. The airline's first route to the country in more than a decade will begin next summer, as it launches direct flights between London Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International Airport. The daily service will launch on 30 March, 2025 with fares starting from £490 per person. Canada flights will operate a mix of aircraft on the route including the A330-900neo. To support the route Virgin Atlantic is announcing an expanded codeshare partnership with Canadian carrier WestJet, which is slated for October this year. The partnership will allow customers to travel throughout the region, including flights from Ottawa and Winnipeg. Benefits for both airlines' frequent flyers are expected to follow in 2025. Sir Richard Branson said: "When starting Virgin Atlantic 40 years ago, I went against everyone's advice. and on paper, they were right.” Back then, travelling by plane wasn't a fun experience, but I realised then that there was a gap to give passengers a great experience – and I love a challenge.”Related News Stories: United Airlines marks 25 years of Newark-Brussels flights Iconic Glamor Trams returning to Universal Studios Hollywood P&O Cruises chooses Norse Atlantic as carrier for Caribbean fly ... Maggots force Delta flight to turn back to Amsterdam - TravelMole Carnival Freedom returns to service with replacement funnel, ship ... Emirates A380 flights return to Birmingham Spirit Airlines joins Frontier is crapping change fees American Airlines announces $125 million redevelopment program ... Visit Barbados - TravelMole IndiGo 'forgets' to offload baggage, takes off for next flight
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03 Jun 24
NEWS
Virgin Atlantic announces new codeshares, Israel returnVirgin Atlantic has announced two new airline codeshare partnerships. The airline also announced plans to ...Read moreVirgin Atlantic announces new codeshares, Israel return - News & announcementsVirgin Atlantic has announced two new airline codeshare partnerships. The airline also announced plans to restart Israel flights from 5 September 2024. As part of that route restart, it will codeshare with EL AL. Virgin Tel Aviv flights resume for the first time since 11 October 2023. Flights will operate daily on Airbus A330 aircraft, offering connections through Heathrow to 14 US destinations operated by Virgin Atlantic and partner Delta Air Lines. A new airline codeshare partnership with EL AL will offer more connections between the UK, US and Israel. The two airlines will place codes on their respective London Heathrow and Tel Aviv services, allowing customers more flexibility and frequencies with up to four daily Israel flights. The partnership will offer reciprocal earn and redemption opportunities, as well as premium customer recognition and tier benefits for frequent flyers. Also, a new airline codeshare with fellow SkyTeam member Saudia has launched, providing connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Virgin Atlantic destinations. The first phase of the agreement is now live, and allows Virgin Atlantic customers travelling on flights from the US to book onward connections through London Heathrow and Manchester on Saudia's services to Jeddah and Riyadh. Opportunities to earn Virgin Points and Tier Points, alongside Virgin Points redemptions, have been in place since March 2023, with online redemptions launched last month. Saudia's AlFursan members can earn and redeem their points on Virgin Atlantic flights. Virgin also welcomed newest SkyTeam partner SAS. "We're delighted to launch airline codeshares with our SkyTeam partners at SAS and Saudia and our return to Tel Aviv will be welcome news for customers," said Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the alliance's first UK member airline.Related News Stories: Virgin Atlantic pushes back Israel flight restart - TravelMole Virgin Atlantic launching new India flights What's new in Las Vegas for 2024 - TravelMole American Airlines announces $125 million redevelopment program ... UK tourist arrivals to Grenada on the rise United Airlines takes $200m hit from Boeing Max blowout Bangkok Airways extends Sabre network planning partnership Bhutan Airlines plans new UAE flight route The Three Oceans: Silversea Announces New 80-Destination World ... Spirit Airlines joins Frontier is crapping change fees
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03 Jun 24
NEWS
Virgin takes off for Vegas from ManchesterVirgin Atlantic has marked the launch of Las Vegas flights from Manchester in typical fashion, ...Read moreVirgin takes off for Vegas from Manchester - News & announcementsVirgin Atlantic has marked the launch of Las Vegas flights from Manchester in typical fashion, complete with Vegas showgirls. The new route from Manchester complements the airline's current daily Las Vegas flights from London Heathrow. Vegas is the airline’s fourth US destination from Manchester alongside Orlando, New York, and Atlanta. It is also the only US West Coast route direct from the northwest. Dom Kennedy, SVP at Virgin Atlantic Holidays, said: "We're thrilled to be reintroducing our Manchester to Las Vegas service. We know our customers love Las Vegas.” "This new flight will increase access to Las Vegas for UK visitors. The UK is our no. 1 source of overseas visitation, and we are thrilled to welcome this new route to our city," said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The seasonal Las Vegas flights operate three times a week from Manchester on three-class Airbus A350-1000 jets. The Manchester to Vegas route was previously operated prior to the pandemic.Related News Stories: Ryanair's On the Beach partnership takes off Jet2 takes off to first of three new destinations from Bristol Airport New Malta flagship airline set for take off RwandAir takes off from Heathrow Terminal 4 Virgin Atlantic pushes back Israel flight restart - TravelMole Virgin Voyages sailing to 21 new ports for summer 2025 - TravelMole Virgin Voyages makes big change to Australia-Europe repositioning ... Norse Atlantic Airways marks inaugural Athens flight to New York JFK 16% commission is great… Virgin Voyages - TravelMole Overtourisn protestors plan to 'occupy the beaches'
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08 May 24
NEWS
Virgin Atlantic’s 100% SAF flight cut over 60% of emissionsVirgin Atlantic and its partners have published findings on its Flight100 project - the first ...Read moreVirgin Atlantic’s 100% SAF flight cut over 60% of emissions - News & announcementsVirgin Atlantic and its partners have published findings on its Flight100 project - the first commercial flight across the Atlantic powered by 100% SAF on a Boeing 787, using Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The flight took place on 28 November 2023 and did not require any engine, airframe or fuel infrastructure changes The flight followed more than a year of collaboration with Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, ICF and Rocky Mountain Institute. The SAF flight was part funded by Department for Transport and approved by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the US Federal Aviation Authority. They have now published results from the flight. The flight saved 95 tonnes of CO2, or 64% of the emissions produced from a standard flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK. Additionally, there was a 40% reduction in non-CO2 particulate emissions and an improved overall fuel burn efficiency of the SAF flight. Flight100 SAF produced 1% more energy compared to the same mass of fossil fuel. The additional efficiency initiatives including direct routing and reduced taxi time resulted in 2.2 tonnes of jet fuel saving, or 4% of overall fuel burn, it says. Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic CEO said: "Flight100 was more than a year in the making. Virgin Atlantic is committed to finding new solutions, and leading efforts to decarbonise our industry.” "We have demonstrated that it can be done – SAF is a safe drop in replacement for fossil fuel and can be used with today's infrastructure. We've proven that if enough SAF is made, we will fly it."Related News Stories: G Adventures - TravelMole Hilton - TravelMole Marriott - TravelMole
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19 Mar 24
NEWS
Virgin Atlantic, Kenya Airways announce airline codeshare pactVirgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways have inked a new airline codeshare partnership agreement, providing greater ...Read moreVirgin Atlantic, Kenya Airways announce airline codeshare pact - News & announcementsVirgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways have inked a new airline codeshare partnership agreement, providing greater access to Nairobi and beyond into East Africa. The first phase of the agreement has now launched, which allows Virgin Atlantic customers to book flights on Kenya Airways' Heathrow to Nairobi service. In turn, Kenya Airways customers will soon have the opportunity to connect via London Heathrow onto Virgin Atlantic's Caribbean flights, including Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Kenya Airways is a fellow member of the SkyTeam alliance. Virgin Atlantic's Gold and Silver Flying Club members, along with Kenya Airways Asante Rewards Platinum and Gold members can take advantage of SkyPriority services at London Heathrow and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This provides priority check in, baggage handling and expedited boarding. Flying Club members can earn Virgin Points by booking luxury safari holidays through both Virgin Atlantic Holidays and Virgin Limited Edition. Juha Jarvinen, CCO at Virgin Atlantic, said: "We're delighted to launch our airline codeshare with Kenya Airways. As a fellow member of the SkyTeam alliance, we know our customers will enjoy a seamless travel experience.” "As the only UK airline to codeshare on the Nairobi route, we'll be providing more choice and flexibility for customers booking with Virgin Atlantic." Access to Kenya from the UK is now more seamless than ever before. From January this year, visitors from outside of Africa, including the UK, only require an online authorisation to travel to Kenya, instead of a full visa.Related News Stories: Over 10 million UK passengers disrupted during the winter Sponsored News: Vietnam Airlines to increase London flights ... Marriott - TravelMole
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19 Feb 24
NEWS
Virgin Atlantic pushes back Israel flight restartVirgin Atlantic has extended its suspension of Israel flights until September. The Heathrow-Tel Aviv ...Read moreVirgin Atlantic pushes back Israel flight restart - News & announcementsVirgin Atlantic has extended its suspension of Israel flights until September. The Heathrow-Tel Aviv route was set restart in late-March. “Due to the ongoing situation in Israel, we have decided to extend our pause on flying to and from Tel Aviv up to and including 4 September 2024,” the airline said. “Our flying programme to Israel remains under constant review.” Cruise brand Virgin Voyages recently announced it would avoid the Red Sea region and instead divert a repositioning cruise back from Australia to Europe via the west coast of Africa. Rival airline British Airways is resuming Israel flights in April but at a reduced capacity. BA is now deploying short haul aircraft four times a week. The Israel flights will include a quick stopover in Cyprus for a crew change. Passengers will stay onboard during the 45-minute stopRelated News Stories: Partner News Saint Lucia If Only rolls out British Airways campaign
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13 Feb 24
NEWS
Jamaica tourism celebrates expanded Virgin flight serviceJamaica has hailed Virgin Atlantic's intent to increase flight frequency to the island. From 31 March ...Read moreJamaica tourism celebrates expanded Virgin flight service - News & announcementsJamaica has hailed Virgin Atlantic's intent to increase flight frequency to the island. From 31 March 2024, the airline will expand Jamaica flights from London Heathrow to Montego Bay, Jamaica, from five to seven times per week, year-round. It comes with the low season addition of a Saturday and Sunday service. Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, said, "This expansion aligns with the growing demand for travel to Jamaica and underscores the confidence in our destination". The added frequency will be operated on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. With the increased frequency, Virgin Atlantic will now offer daily service between London and Montego Bay, adding an extra 258 seats twice a week. "The additional nonstop Jamaica flights are a testament to the enduring appeal of Jamaica as a premier holiday destination," Donovan White, Jamaica's Director of Tourism added.Related News Stories: TravelMole – Travel industry community since 1999 Advertise Webinars Emag Special Offers Change Email Partner News Murray Waid USAirtours Skyteam
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02 Jan 24
NEWS
Delta, Virgin Atlantic celebrate 10 years of joint venture partnershipDelta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic are marking a decade of close collaboration as their ...Read moreDelta, Virgin Atlantic celebrate 10 years of joint venture partnership - News & announcementsDelta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic are marking a decade of close collaboration as their joint venture partnership celebrates 10 years. The partnership has since grown through the expanded airline joint venture with Air France-KLM launched in 2020. Since it launched, the two airlines have grown their shared network, adding more routes and flights between the UK and in the US. They have carried nearly 40 million customers across the Atlantic between the two countries. “Since we brought together our two brands, the partnership has gone from strength to strength thanks to a shared focus on customer service," said Matteo Curcio, Delta’s SVP-EMEAI. "Back in 2014, the partnership deal was a game changer for Delta enabling us to up competition on the most popular business routes between London Heathrow and the US. It also provided Virgin Atlantic unparalleled access to Delta’s network across North America.” The airline joint venture has boosted choice and flexibility with a joint daily schedule of up to 86 daily nonstop flights in both directions. This is nearly 40% more than in 2014. It includes up to 34 peak-day departures from London Heathrow to 15 U.S. gateways. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in 2023 alongside Delta and Air France-KLM. The airlines have together invested in technology for smoother travel solutions including automated bag drop at London Heathrow, real time RFID bag tracking via the Fly Delta app, and biometric scanning at US gateways. The airlines now have co-located facilities at five US airports, as well as at London Heathrow, to make it easier for customers to connect between the two airlines. The JV pact has also improved loyalty program reciprocity with more opportunities to earn and redeem miles. "Our two airlines have flown millions of customers across the Atlantic and driven forward meaningful change in service excellence and responsible travel over the last decade,” said Juha Jarvinen, EVP - Commercial for Virgin Atlantic. -
28 Nov 23
NEWS
First 100% SAF powered transatlantic flight takes offThe first transatlantic flight fully powered by sustainable aviation fuel is on its way to ...Read moreFirst 100% SAF powered transatlantic flight takes off - News & announcementsThe first transatlantic flight fully powered by sustainable aviation fuel is on its way to New York's JFK airport. The Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 is using 50 tonnes of alternative fuels from crops, household waste and cooking oils. It is a one-off demonstration flight made possible with government funding. The lifecycle emissions of SAF can be up to 70% lower compared to conventional jet fuel. "It's really the only pathway to decarbonising long-haul aviation over and above having the youngest fleet in the sky," said Virgin Atlantic CEO, Shai Weiss. "The issue is how we get enough production here in the UK.” Passengers aboard include Transport Secretary Mark Harper, Weiss and Virgin’s founder, Sir Richard Branson. “This historic flight shows how we can both decarbonise transport and enable passengers to keep flying when and where they want,” Harper said. Anna Hughes, director of Flight Free UK, said: “While it sounds promising, we are many years away from seeing so-called ‘sustainable’ fuels in widespread use.” -
25 Oct 23
NEWS
Virgin Atlantic’s Maldives flights take offVirgin Atlantic has officially started its newest sunshine route with a maiden Maldives flight. The ...Read moreVirgin Atlantic’s Maldives flights take off - News & announcementsVirgin Atlantic has officially started its newest sunshine route with a maiden Maldives flight. The new route from London Heathrow to Velana International Airport, Malé operates three times a week on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. It offers 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats as well as Upper and Premium class. The maiden flight this week was welcomed by a traditional Maldivian Bodeberu greeting and dance performances. Juha Jarvinen, CCO of Virgin Atlantic, said, "We couldn’t be more thrilled to launch Maldives flights as we continue to expand our collection of winter sun destinations.” Caron Rohsler, British High Commissioner to Maldives, added, "Maldives is a top holiday destination. Brits have consistently featured among top three nationalities visiting Maldives for many years.". -
29 Sep 23
NEWS
Grenada Tourism hails increase in Virgin Atlantic flightsThe Grenada Tourism Authority has welcomed the expansion of Virgin Atlantic’s Grenada flights for the ...Read moreGrenada Tourism hails increase in Virgin Atlantic flights - News & announcementsThe Grenada Tourism Authority has welcomed the expansion of Virgin Atlantic’s Grenada flights for the winter. Virgin Atlantic will up the number of flights to Maurice Bishop International Airport from two to three per week. Virgin currently flies an Airbus 330-300 with 264 seats to Grenada on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It adds an extra Friday service starting 8 December, 2023 through to 29 March, 2024. All three Grenada flights depart from London Heathrow via Barbados. Chairman of the GTA, Randall Dolland said, "We are delighted with this third frequency, it is a clear indication that our tourism product continues on an upward trajectory.” “Virgin Atlantic have recognised this, and this additional capacity will contribute significantly to even higher occupancies for our hotels." Grenada Tourism Authority says it is a timely expansion with expected increased demand for the England vs West Indies T20 cricket match. Grenada is also marking its 50th anniversary of Independence, which is expected to see an uptick of arrivals from the diaspora." said CEO Petra Roach says. "We extend our sincere gratitude to Virgin for their unwavering support and confidence in Grenada." -
01 Sep 23
NEWS
Virgin’s new Brazil flights to go on saleVirgin Atlantic’s new Brazil flights are set to go on sale next week. Reservations go ...Read moreVirgin’s new Brazil flights to go on sale - News & announcementsVirgin Atlantic’s new Brazil flights are set to go on sale next week. Reservations go live from 6 September for the airline's first South American route to Sao Paulo. The route will operate daily from 13 May 2024, with return Economy fares starting from £686 return. The near 12-hour Brazil flight will operate on Boeing 787 aircraft. Sao Paulo is a key gateway to South America and is a hub in Brazil for Virgin Atlantic's codeshare partner LATAM. The partnership will provide customers with onward connections to over 50 destinations across South America, including Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Florianopolis. The codeshare partnership also unlocks loyalty accruals and redemption options for Flying Club members. Additionally, fellow SkyTeam alliance partner, Aerolineas Argentinas, offers connections from Sao Paulo to Buenos Aires. Flying Club passengers can also earn and redeem their points on this route. Plus, Virgin Atlantic customers can travel extensively throughout Brazil connecting onward with GOL and Azul Brazil flights. Juha Jarvinen, CCO, Virgin Atlantic, said; "The countdown has officially begun to our much-anticipated Sao Paulo flights.” “It's fitting that our 40th year brings our entry to a brand new continent in South America.” In addition to Sao Paulo, Virgin recently announced a new route to Bengaluru, India and is returning to Dubai from October 2023.
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