Virgin Atlantic Airways
Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., usually referred to as Virgin Atlantic (IATA code VS), is an airline that operates intercontinental flights from the United Kingdom. It is the flagship organization of Richard Branson's Virgin Group, and competes with British Airways for the title of "most prestigious airline" based in London.
Virgin's predecessor, British Atlantic Airways, operated flights from the UK to the Falkland Islands starting in 1982. Branson purchased the airline and began flights to North America on June 22, 1984, utilizing a single Boeing 747 on scheduled service between London and New York, taking over the small market share of Freddie Laker's failed "Skytrain" operation.
After winning a libel suit against British Airways, Virgin expanded dramatically through the 1980s and 1990s. At issue was Virgin's allegation of "dirty tricks", BA was faced with a legal bill of up to £3m, damages to Sir Richard of £500,000 and a further £110,000 to his airline. Preferring competition to neighbourly co-existence, Virgin Atlantic jets sported the words "No-Way BA/AA" during the period of the second attempted merger between British Airways/American Airlines.
Virgin now operates a large fleet of widebody aircraft servicing long-haul markets between the UK and North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.
49% of Virgin Atlantic was sold to Singapore Airlines in December 1999 for £1.225bn and in August 2002 became the first airline to begin flights with the Airbus A340-600. The airline also has six Airbus A380s on order and due to be delivered in 2006.
| Table of contents |
|
2 Fleet 3 See also 4 External link |
Virgin operates Boeing 747 and Airbus A340 aircraft. Its A340's and Gatwick-based 747's have a three-class cabin layout similar to other international airlines, while its Heathrow-based 747's have "suite"-style seats and a bar in the "Upper Class" cabin.
Virgin's aircraft are christened with female names such as "Ladybird", "Island Lady", and "Ruby Tuesday". Many are named after destinations on the Virgin route network, such as "Maiden Tokyo" and "California Girl". The current Virgin livery features a pinup girl near the nose of each aircraft, carrying a Union Jack flag in a form remniscient of British Airways' traditional "speedbird" logo.
Destinations
Fleet
See also
External link
| List of Aircraft | Aircraft Manufacturers | Aircraft Engines | Aircraft Engine Manufacturers Airlines | Air Forces | Aircraft Weapons | Missiles | Years in Aviation |