With its headquarters in Crawley, West Sussex, England, Virgin Atlantic is a British airline which has won numerous awards for its excellent service throughout the years. Established in 1984, the airline has grown to a fleet of 40 aircrafts flying from their operating bases at Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
Using a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing wide-body jets, Virgin Atlantic flies to 30 destinations throughout the United Kingdom, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Choose from its wide range of domestic and international services and relax in the comfort and luxury on offer as well as take in a variety of inflight entertainment. Upper Class and Flying Gold Club Members can also enjoy any of Virgin’s Clubhouses which offer amazing food, pristine facilities and a chilled atmosphere. Upper Class Passengers traveling to Heathrow can look forward to a refreshing shower, complimentary breakfast and spa treatments after a long flight, in the Revival Lounge. Housekeeping will also ensure you look your finest by pressing your clothes or making any minor repairs to your attire.
Virgin Atlantic is a major British success story. From our first leased jumbo to the UK's second largest long haul airline, we've come a long way, and there's still much more to do! Take a look at our story by clicking on the links below...
80's - Back in the early 80s Richard Branson was probably best known for Virgin Records - the legendary record label that signed major names like the Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson and The Human League. In 1984, much to the horror of his directors, Richard announced to the world that a high quality, value for money airline would begin operating within three months. Three months, some licences, staff and an aircraft packed with celebrities later, Virgin Atlantic Airways was born. By the end of the decade we had flown over 1 million passengers and started shaking up services onboard by being the first airline to offer individual TVs to their business class passengers...
90's - In 1992 Richard sold Virgin Music to Thorn EMI and invested the proceeds into Virgin Atlantic, improving on an already great service. In the same year we launched the first super economy service that went on to become our award winning Premium Economy. We spent most of the Nineties buying new planes, expanding our route network and generally breaking new ground in passenger service, both on the ground and in the air. In 1999 Richard sold a 49% stake in the company to Singapore Airlines valuing us at a minimum of £1.225bn. In the same year, for services to entrepreneurship Richard received a knighthood.
00's -The noughties have proved exciting times...
In 2003 came the launch of Virgin Atlantic’s revolutionary Upper Class Suite, the longest and most comfortable flat bed and seat in business class.
The new Virgin Clubhouse at Heathrow opened in March 2006. Amongst the many unique features of the flagship lounge are a cocktail bar, a hair salon, a Cowshed spa, a brasserie and a games room.
In 2007 came the launch of Virgin Atlantic's brand new check in facilities at Heathrow Terminal Three. For Economy and Premium Economy passengers Zone A is now wider, brighter and more spacious, enabling passengers to check-in at kiosks in a faster and more stress-free way. For Upper Class passengers, came the Upper Class Wing, which offers a private security corridor so passengers can speed through the terminal to the Clubhouse quicker than ever before.
In 2008 the airline operated a pioneering biofuel demonstration with Boeing and engine manufacturer GE Aviation on a 747 between London and Amsterdam. This was the world's first flight using biofuel by a commercial airline. Virgin Atlantic has also ordered 15 of the 787-9 Dreamliners which burn around 27% less fuel per passenger than the A340-300, the aircraft it will replace in the Virgin Atlantic fleet.
With a dedicated loyalty programme you will also be rewarded for flying with Virgin Atlantic, join the Flying Club and gain more for your money.
