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Virgin Atlantic Airways, commonly known as Virgin Atlantic, is a British airline renowned for its innovative approach to air travel, premium service, and vibrant brand identity. Founded on June 22, 1984, by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, it is headquartered at The VHQ in Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom. Operating primarily from its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), with secondary hubs at London Gatwick (LGW) and Manchester (MAN), Virgin Atlantic serves 30 destinations across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. A founding member of the SkyTeam alliance since March 2023, the airline offers seamless global connectivity through partnerships with carriers like Delta Air Lines and Air France. With a modern fleet of 42 aircraft, a commitment to sustainability, and a focus on customer-centric innovation, Virgin Atlantic is celebrated for its award-winning cabins and distinctive red-liveried aircraft, embodying the slogan “Flying in the face of ordinary.”
Virgin Atlantic began operations with its inaugural flight from London Gatwick to Newark on June 22, 1984, using a leased Boeing 747-200. Initially a challenger to established carriers, it disrupted the market with superior service, including in-flight entertainment and premium amenities. The airline expanded rapidly, launching routes to Miami (1986), Tokyo (1989), and Los Angeles (1990). In 1999, Singapore Airlines acquired a 49% stake for £600 million, which it sold to Delta Air Lines in 2012 for $360 million, forging a strategic partnership that includes a joint venture covering 23 U.S.–UK routes.
Key milestones include the introduction of the Upper Class Suite in 2003, offering fully flat beds, and the Airbus A380 order in 2001 (later cancelled). Virgin Atlantic weathered challenges like the 2001 9/11 attacks and the 2008 financial crisis, entering administration in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A £1.2 billion recapitalization, supported by Virgin Group (51%) and Delta (49%), enabled recovery. In 2023, Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam, enhancing its global reach. The airline carried 5.3 million passengers in 2023, reporting £3.1 billion in revenue, and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024 with new routes to São Paulo and Accra.
Virgin Atlantic operates a fleet of 42 aircraft, averaging 8.5 years in age, one of the youngest among major carriers. The fleet includes:
Orders include 12 Airbus A350-1000s, 14 A330neos, and options for additional aircraft to support expansion to 50 planes by 2028. Maintenance is managed by Virgin Atlantic Engineering, with facilities at Heathrow and partnerships with Delta for U.S.-based servicing.