View source for Virgin Atlantic

{{Short description|Airline of the United Kingdom}}
{{Distinguish|Virgin America|Virgin Australia}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2025}}
{{Infobox airline
| airline = Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited <br /> Virgin Atlantic International Limited
| logo = Virgin Atlantic logo 2018.svg
| logo_size = 300px
| image = Airbus A350-1041 ‘G-VJAM’ Virgin Atlantic.jpg
| caption = Virgin Atlantic [[Airbus A350-1000]]
| IATA = VS
| ICAO = VIR
| callsign = VIRGIN<ref>{{cite web |title=IATA - Virgin Atlantic |url=https://www.iata.org/en/about/members/airline-list/virgin-atlantic/205/ |access-date=4 July 2023}}</ref>
| aoc = 534 ({{abbr|VAA|Virgin Atlantic Airways}} Ltd)<br/>2435 ({{abbr|VAI|Virgin Atlantic International}} Ltd)
| founded = {{start date and age|1984|||df=yes}}
| commenced = {{start date and age|1984|06|22|df=yes}}
| hubs = {{ubl|class=nowrap
  | [[Heathrow Airport|London–Heathrow]]
  | [[Manchester Airport|Manchester]]}}
| focus_cities = 
| frequent_flyer = Flying Club
| alliance = [[SkyTeam]]
| fleet_size = [[Virgin Atlantic fleet|43]]
| destinations = [[List of Virgin Atlantic destinations|22]]
| parent = Virgin Atlantic Limited (owned 51% by [[Virgin Group]], 49% by [[Delta Air Lines]])
| headquarters = [[Crawley]], [[West Sussex]], England
| founder = [[Richard Branson]]
| key_people = {{bulleted list|
  | Shai Weiss ([[CEO]])<ref>{{cite news |title=Virgin Atlantic announces appointment of new CEO |url=https://www.virgin.com/news/virgin-atlantic-announce-appointment-new-ceo |date=27 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805223248/https://www.virgin.com/news/virgin-atlantic-announce-appointment-new-ceo |archive-date=5 August 2020}}</ref>
  | Peter Norris ([[Chairman]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/footer/media-centre/virgin-atlantic-directors.html |title=Virgin Atlantic Directors |year=2013 |publisher=Virgin Atlantic |access-date=1 August 2013}}</ref>}}
| revenue = {{Increase}} £3.301 [[billion]] (2024)<ref name="Annualresults2024">{{Cite web|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01600117/filing-history|title=Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited|publisher=Companies House|access-date=31 August 2025}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{increase}} £230.5 [[million]] (2024)<ref name="Annualresults2024"/>
| net_income = {{decrease}} £-131.8 [[million]] (2024)<ref name="Annualresults2024"/>
| assets = {{increase}} £4.214 [[billion]] (2024)<ref name="Annualresults2024"/>
| equity = {{decrease}} £-1.280 [[billion]] (2024)<ref name="Annualresults2024"/>
| num_employees = {{increase}} 8760 (2024)<ref name="Annualresults2024"/>
| website = {{URL|https://www.virginatlantic.com/|virginatlantic.com}}
}}
'''Virgin Atlantic''', a [[trade name|trading name]] of '''Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited''' and '''Virgin Atlantic International Limited''', is a British airline with its head office in [[Crawley]], West Sussex, England. The airline was established in 1984 as '''British Atlantic Airways''', and was originally planned by its co-founders [[Randolph Fields]] and [[Alan Hellary]] to fly between [[London]] and the [[Falkland Islands]]. Soon after changing the name to Virgin Atlantic Airways, Fields sold his shares in the company to [[Richard Branson]] in return for unlimited free travel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 March 1997 |title=Poker |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/poker-5578159.html |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> The maiden flight from [[Gatwick Airport|London–Gatwick]] to [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]] took place on 22 June 1984.

The airline along with [[Virgin Holidays]] is controlled by a holding company, Virgin Atlantic Limited, which is 51% owned by the [[Virgin Group]] and 49% by [[Delta Air Lines]]. It is administratively separate from other Virgin-branded airlines. Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited and Virgin Atlantic International Limited both hold [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|Civil Aviation Authority]] (CAA) Type A Operating Licences ([[Air operator's certificate|AOC]] numbers 534<ref name="AOC">{{cite web |url=https://www.caa.co.uk/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=4294978176 |title=UK Aeroplane and Helicopter AOC Holders (N-Z) |publisher=UK Civil Aviation Authority |date=25 January 2017 |access-date=5 February 2017 |archive-date=6 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104310/https://www.caa.co.uk/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=4294978176 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and 2435 respectively),<ref name="AOC"/> both of which permit these airlines, operating as Virgin Atlantic Airways, to carry passengers, cargo and mail on aircraft with 20 or more seats.<ref name="Licence">{{cite web |url=http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=183&pagetype=90&pageid=340 |title=Type A Operating Licence Holders |publisher=Civil Aviation Authority |location=London |access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref>

Virgin Atlantic uses a mixed fleet of [[Airbus]] and [[Boeing Commercial Airplanes|Boeing]] [[wide-body aircraft]] and operates to destinations in North America, the [[Caribbean]], Africa, the Middle East, and Asia from its main hub at [[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]] and its secondary hub at [[Manchester Airport|Manchester]]. The airline also operates a seasonal service from [[Edinburgh Airport|Edinburgh]]. Virgin Atlantic aircraft consist of three cabins: Economy, Premium (formerly [[Premium economy]])<ref name="VApremium">{{Cite web |url=https://www.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/virgin-experience/cabins/premium.html |title=Premium |publisher=Virgin Atlantic |location=London |access-date=14 April 2018}}</ref> and Upper Class (business).

In July 2017, Virgin Atlantic announced its intention to form a joint venture with [[Air France-KLM]], but in December 2019, it was announced that the joint venture would not include a stake in the company.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-02/branson-nears-air-france-deal-to-keep-control-of-virgin-atlantic |title=Branson drops Air France Deal to Keep Control of Virgin Atlantic |last=Jasper |first=Christopher |agency=[[Bloomberg News]] |location=[[London]] |date=2 December 2019 |access-date=23 December 2019}}</ref>

On 5 May 2020, it was announced that due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the airline would lay off 3,000 staff, reduce the fleet size to 35 by the summer of 2022, retire the [[Boeing 747-400]]s<ref>{{Cite news |title=Virgin Atlantic Leaving Gatwick, Retiring 747s |url=https://onemileatatime.com/virgin-atlantic-future/ |date=5 May 2020 |last=Schlappig |first=Ben |work=One Mile at a Time |access-date=6 May 2020}}</ref> and would not resume operations from Gatwick following the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52542038 |title=Virgin Atlantic to cut 3,000 jobs and quit Gatwick |last=Burridge |first=Tom |work=[[BBC News]] |location=London |date=5 May 2020}}</ref>

Virgin Atlantic filed for [[Chapter 15 bankruptcy]] protection in New York on 4 August 2020, as part of a £1.2{{nbsp}}billion private refinancing package.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Slotnick |first=David |title=Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic is the second Virgin airline to declare bankruptcy |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/virgin-atlantic-bankruptcy-coronavirus-pandemic-2020-8 |access-date=4 August 2020 |work=[[Business Insider]] |location=[[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Axel Springer SE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=A Solvent Recapitalisation of Virgin Atlantic |url=https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/media/press-releases/a-solvent-recapitalisation-of-virgin-atlantic.html |location=London |publisher=Virgin Atlantic}}</ref> The airline joined the [[SkyTeam]] [[airline alliance]] in March 2023.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2023/virgin-altantic-to-join-skyteam-alliance-today |title=Virgin Atlantic to join SkyTeam Alliance today |website=SkyTeam |date=2 March 2023}}</ref>

==History==
===Origins===
[[File:Virgin Atlantic launch press conference.png|thumb|right|[[Alan Hellary]], [[Richard Branson]], and [[Randolph Fields]] launch Virgin Atlantic at the 1984 press conference]]

Virgin Atlantic has its origins in a joint endeavour by [[Randolph Fields]], an American-born lawyer, and [[Alan Hellary]], a former chief pilot for British private airline [[Laker Airways]]. Following the collapse of Laker Airways in 1982, Fields and Hellary decided to establish a new company, initially named ''British Atlantic Airways'', as a successor.<ref name="Virgin Birth"/> Reportedly, Fields had formed a concept for an airline that would operate between London and the [[Falkland Islands]] during June 1982, when the [[Falklands War]] had just finished.<ref>{{cite newspaper |newspaper=West Sussex County Times |date=20 January 1984|title=Flights to the Falkland Islands |p=1}}</ref>

However, it was soon determined that the short runway at [[Port Stanley Airport]], and the time it would take to improve it, would render a route to the Falklands commercially unviable; thus, the idea of such a service was dropped. In its place, Hellary and Fields commenced efforts to secure a licence to operate a route between [[Gatwick Airport]], [[London]] and [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]], [[New York City]]. During May 1983, a three-day inquiry was conducted, which chose to reject the application following objections from [[British Airways]], [[British Caledonian]] and [[Heathrow Airport Holdings|BAA]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Frivaldo |first=Juan |title=Contemporary Strategic Management Case Study |url=https://www.academia.edu/28897020 |journal=[[Institute of Commercial Management]]}}</ref> 

Hellary and Fields then applied for a licence between Gatwick and [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]], [[New Jersey]], using a 380-seat [[McDonnell Douglas DC-10]].<ref name="Virgin Birth">{{cite journal |title=Aircraft Illustrated – Virgin Birth |journal=[[Aircraft Illustrated]] |publisher=[[Ian Allan Publishing]] |pages=48–51 |issn=0002-2675}}</ref>

===Formative years===
[[File:Virgin Atlantic G-VIRG by Steve Fitzgerald.jpg|thumb|[[Boeing 747-200]] ''Maiden Voyager'' operated the first scheduled Virgin Atlantic service on 22 June 1984.]]

On 22 June 1984, Virgin Atlantic operated its inaugural scheduled service, flown between Gatwick and Newark using a leased [[Boeing 747-200]] (registration {{nowrap|G-VIRG}}), christened ''Maiden Voyager'',<ref name="Virgin Birth"/> which had been formerly operated by [[Aerolíneas Argentinas]]. From the onset, its activities were augmented by leveraging existing [[Virgin Group]] resources, such as tickets being sold at [[Virgin Megastores]] record shops.<ref name="hilo 09">{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/bransons-flights-of-fancy-the-highs-and-lows-of-virgin-atlantic-1697795.html |title=Branson's flights of fancy: The highs and lows of Virgin Atlantic |work=[[The Independent]] |date=5 June 2009}}</ref>

Part of Richard Branson's declared approach to business is to either succeed within the first year or exit the market; this ethos includes a one-year limit on everything associated with starting up operations.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/?GCOI=80140100965480 |author1=Bamber, G.J. |author2=Gittell, J.H. |author3=Kochan, T.von Nordenflytch, A. |year=2009 |title=Up in the Air: How Airlines Can Improve Performance by Engaging their Employees |publisher=Cornell University Press |location=Ithaca |chapter=chapter 5}}</ref>

In November 1984, the airline launched a service between Gatwick Airport and [[Maastricht Aachen Airport]] in the Netherlands using a chartered [[BAC One-Eleven]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Flying Dutchman-Virgin Atlantic style |newspaper=[[The Times]] |date=17 November 1984}}{{page needed|date=August 2025}}</ref>

In 1986, the airline added another Boeing{{nbsp}}747 to its fleet and started a scheduled route from Gatwick to [[Miami International Airport|Miami]]. Additional aircraft were quickly acquired, and new routes were launched from Gatwick, such as to [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York JFK]] in 1988, [[Narita International Airport|Tokyo Narita]] in 1989, [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]] in 1990, [[Logan International Airport|Boston]] in 1991, and [[Orlando International Airport|Orlando]] in 1992. In 1987, Virgin Atlantic launched a service between [[Luton Airport|Luton]] and [[Dublin Airport|Dublin]] using secondhand [[Vickers Viscount]] [[turboprop]] aircraft, but this route was withdrawn around 1990. The airline also operated a Viscount service between Maastricht and London Luton Airport in 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LTN89intro |url=http://www.departedflights.com/LTN89intro.html |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=www.departedflights.com}}</ref>

===Competition===
[[File:Airbus A340-311, Virgin Atlantic Airways AN0062857.jpg|thumb|[[Airbus A340#A340-300|Airbus A340-300]] landing at [[Kai Tak Airport]], displaying the "No Way BA/AA" livery]]
[[File:Virgin Atlantic A340-300 G-VHOL LHR 2003-6-12.png|thumb|[[Airbus A340#A340-300|Airbus A340-300]] at [[Heathrow Airport]] in 2003, displaying "4 Engines 4 Longhaul" slogan]]

In 1991, Virgin Atlantic was given permission to operate from [[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]] following the abolition of the London Air Traffic Distribution Rules (TDRs), which had governed the distribution of traffic between Heathrow and Gatwick airports since 1978, primarily to bolster the profitability of Gatwick.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Virgin to commence Heathrow flights |magazine=[[Australian Aviation]] |issue=68 |date=July 1991 |page=18}}</ref>

The [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|Civil Aviation Authority]] also transferred two pairs of unused [[landing slot]]s that British Airways held at Tokyo's [[Narita International Airport|Narita Airport]] to Virgin Atlantic, allowing it to increase frequency between Heathrow and Tokyo from four to six weekly round trips, making it easier to compete against British Airways. The chairman of BA, [[John King, Baron King of Wartnaby|Lord King]], called the CAA's decision, which the government had endorsed, "a confiscation of his company's property".<ref>{{cite web |title=Operation of the UK Traffic Distribution Rules in relation to all-cargo services at London Heathrow Airport |publisher=BAA Heathrow |url=http://www.acl-uk.org/UserFiles/File/BAA%20TDR%20consultation%20paper%20_LHR.pdf |access-date=12 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226202154/http://www.acl-uk.org/UserFiles/File/BAA%20TDR%20consultation%20paper%20_LHR.pdf |archive-date=26 February 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the year to October 1993, Virgin Atlantic declared a loss of £9.3{{nbsp}}million. The decision to abolish the London TDRs and to let Virgin Atlantic operate at Heathrow, in competition with British Airways, became the trigger for BA's so-called [[Dirty Tricks (scandal)|dirty tricks campaign]] against the company. During 1993, BA's [[public relations]] director, [[David Burnside]], published an article in ''BA News'', British Airways' internal magazine, which argued that Branson's protests against British Airways were a publicity stunt. Branson sued British Airways for libel, using the services of [[George Carman]] [[Queen's Counsel|QC]]. BA settled out of court when its lawyers discovered the lengths to which the company had gone in trying to kill off Virgin Atlantic. British Airways had to pay a legal bill of up to £3{{nbsp}}million, damages to Branson of £500,000, and a further £110,000 to his airline. Branson reportedly donated the proceeds from the case to Virgin Atlantic staff.<ref>{{cite news |title=Row over dirty tricks led to decade of hostilities |author=Lee Glendinning |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/aug/02/theairlineindustry.britishairways |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=2 August 2007 |access-date=24 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Elkins |first=Kathleen |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/03/richard-bransons-airline-won-945000-and-it-all-went-to-employees.html |title=When Richard Branson's airline won $945,000 from a lawsuit, he gave it all to his employees |work=[[CNBC]] |date=4 August 2017}}</ref>

During the late 1990s, Virgin Atlantic jets were painted with "No Way BA/AA" as a declaration of its opposition to the attempted merger between British Airways and [[American Airlines]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Virgin Atlantic, British airways to do battle over Las Vegas |author=Velotta, Richard N. |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/may/21/virgin-atlantic-british-airways-do-battle-over-las/ |newspaper=[[Las Vegas Sun]] |date=21 May 2012 |access-date=3 August 2013}}</ref> In 1997, following British Airways' announcement that it was to remove the [[Union Flag]] from its tailfins in favour of [[British Airways ethnic liveries|world images]], Virgin Atlantic introduced a Union Flag design on the [[wingtip device#Winglet|winglets]] of its aircraft and changed the red dress on the ''Scarlet Lady'' on the nose of aircraft to the union flag with the tag line "Britain's Flag Carrier". This was a tongue-in-cheek challenge to BA's traditional role as the UK's [[flag carrier]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Virgin's battle of Britain with BA |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/362876.stm |work=BBC News |date=7 June 1999 |access-date=30 November 2011}}</ref>

In June 2006, US and UK competition authorities investigated alleged [[price fixing]] between Virgin Atlantic and British Airways over passenger fuel surcharges.<ref>{{cite news |title=Virgin tip-off 'led to BA probe' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5109014.stm |work=BBC News |date=23 June 2006 |access-date=30 November 2011}}</ref> In August 2007, BA was fined £271{{nbsp}}million by the UK [[Office of Fair Trading]] (OFT) and the US{{nbsp}}[[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]].<ref>{{cite news |title=US judge upholds BA's $300m fine |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6959725.stm |work=BBC News |date=23 August 2007 |access-date=30 November 2011}}</ref> However, the Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, Steve Ridgway, was forced to admit that the company had been a party to the agreement, had been aware of the price-fixing and had taken no steps whatsoever to stop the price-fixing.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Virgin boss caught up in BA price-fixing case |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/5820700/Virgin-boss-caught-up-in-BA-price-fixing-case.html |first=Alistair |last=Osborne |access-date=15 July 2009 |date=14 July 2009}}</ref>

In April 2010, a tip-off from [[Cathay Pacific]] led to an OFT investigation of alleged price-fixing between Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific on flights to Hong Kong between 2002 and 2006. Cathay Pacific received immunity from prosecution for reporting the alleged offence. A maximum fine, if found guilty, was 10% of turnover, which, based on the £2.5{{nbsp}}billion in sales for the year to February 2009, would have been £250{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/7621250/Virgin-Atlantic-accused-of-fixing-Hong-Kong-flight-prices.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |title=Virgin Atlantic accused of fixing Hong Kong flight prices |first=Alistair |last=Osborne |date=22 April 2010 |access-date=27 May 2010}}</ref> At the time, the OFT stressed that it should not be assumed that the parties involved had broken the law.<ref>{{cite news |author= Wearden, Graeme |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/apr/22/virgin-atlantic-cathay-pacific-oft |title=OFT accuses Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific of price-fixing |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=22 April 2010 |access-date=1 August 2013}}</ref> The OFT cleared both airlines in December 2012, concluding there were no grounds for action.<ref>{{cite news |title=Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific Cleared in U.K. Price-Fix Probe |author1=Larson, Erik |author2=Lundgren, Kari |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-14/virgin-atlantic-cleared-with-cathay-in-u-k-price-fix-probe-1-.html |newspaper=[[Bloomberg News]] |location=New York |date=14 December 2012 |access-date=1 August 2013}}</ref>

===Recent years===
[[File:Two Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600.jpg|thumb|Two Virgin Atlantic [[Airbus A340-600]]s at [[Heathrow Airport]]]]

In December 2004 Virgin Atlantic began flying to [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]], Australia via Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Virgin Atlantic begins Australian operations |magazine=Australian Aviation |issue=213 |date=January 2005 |pages=31-32}}</ref> In May 2014 the Sydney service ceased.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Virgin Atlantic withdraws from Australia |magazine=Australian Aviation |issue=313 |date=March 2014 |page=13}}</ref>

In September 2014, Virgin Atlantic announced plans to scrap flights to Tokyo, Mumbai, Vancouver, and Cape Town, and to [[codesharing|codeshare]] transatlantic flights with [[Delta Air Lines]]; the company was also reported to be considering axing its new Little Red domestic airline after suffering heavy losses.<ref name="telegraph_little_red">{{cite news |title=Doubts over future of Virgin Atlantic's Little Red airline |author=Nathalie Thomas |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/11080436/Doubts-over-future-of-Virgin-Atlantics-Little-Red-airline.html |newspaper=Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=7 September 2014 |access-date=13 September 2014}}</ref>

On 6 October 2014, Virgin Atlantic confirmed that Little Red services between London and Manchester would end in March 2015, and that the Scottish routes would be terminated in September 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/11143578/Sir-Richard-Bransons-Virgin-Atlantic-ends-Little-Red-domestic-service.html |work=Daily Telegraph |location=London |title=British airline calls time on short-haul service after just 18 months in operation |first=James |last=Quinn |date=7 October 2014 |access-date=7 October 2014}}</ref>

In June 2015, Richard Branson stated that Virgin Atlantic had needed the aforementioned deal with Delta to survive, after losses of £233{{nbsp}}million between 2010 and 2013.<ref>{{cite news |title=Virgin needed Delta to fly to the rescue, Branson admits |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/virgin-needed-delta-to-fly-to-the-rescue-branson-admits-97r0zz99npr |newspaper=[[The Times]] |location=London |date=15 June 2015 |access-date=15 June 2015}}</ref> In the same month, the airline announced it would cut 500 jobs to establish a more efficient management structure.<ref>{{cite web |title=Virgin Atlantic airline to cut 500 jobs |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33335434 |work=BBC News |date=30 June 2015 |access-date=14 October 2020}}</ref>

In July 2017, Air France-KLM nearly acquired a 31% stake in Virgin Atlantic for £220{{nbsp}}million. This deal however never went through.<ref name="BBC">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40745277 |title=Air France-KLM is buying 31% of Virgin Atlantic |work=[[BBC News]] |date=27 July 2017}}</ref>

In 2019, Virgin Atlantic began to allow its female [[flight attendants]] to not wear makeup and have a choice to wear trousers rather than a skirt.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/05/business/virgin-atlantic-flight-attendants-makeup.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur |title=Virgin Atlantic Won't Make Female Flight Attendants Wear Makeup or Skirts Anymore |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=5 March 2019 |access-date=7 March 2019 |last1=Yeginsu |first1=Ceylan}}</ref> In September 2019, it was announced Virgin Atlantic had outlined plans to expand.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/virgin-atlantic-outlines-huge-ambitions-for-expanded-460907/ |title=Virgin Atlantic outlines huge ambitions for expanded Heathrow |website=FlightGlobal |date=18 September 2019 |access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref> A key part of these plans would have been acquiring [[Flybe (1979–2020)|Flybe]], with a plan to rebrand it as "Virgin Connect" from early 2020; however, the plans fell through when Flybe filed for administration and ceased operations in March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.virginconnect.co.uk/ |title=Welcome to Virgin Connect |website=www.virginconnect.co.uk |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228233149/https://www.virginconnect.co.uk/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flybe-and-widebody-orders-key-to-virgin-atlantics-460957/ |title=Flybe and widebody orders key to Virgin Atlantic's Heathrow aims |website=FlightGlobal |date=19 September 2019 |access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref><ref name="Flybecollapse">{{cite web |last1=Topham |first1=Gwyn |title=Flybe: airline collapses two months after government announces rescue |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/05/flybe-collapses-two-months-after-government-announces-rescue |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=5 March 2020 |date=5 March 2020}}</ref> In December 2019, Branson announced that he would be scrapping the sale of a 31% stake in the airline to Air France-KLM and that Virgin Group would retain its 51% shareholding.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jasper |first1=Christopher |title=Branson Drops Air France Deal to Keep Control of Virgin Atlantic |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-02/branson-nears-air-france-deal-to-keep-control-of-virgin-atlantic |website=Bloomberg |access-date=28 March 2020 |date=2 December 2019}}</ref> In the same year, Virgin Atlantic stopped flying to Dubai, a major aviation and tourism hub owing to COVID and issues related to competition.<ref>{{cite web |title=Virgin Atlantic announces plans to stop flights between Dubai and London |url=https://whatson.ae/2018/06/virgin-atlantic-announces-plans-to-stop-flights-between-dubai-and-london/ |website=What's On |date=28 June 2018}}</ref>

In March 2020, during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic attracted criticism by asking employees to take eight weeks' unpaid leave. However, this was before the UK Government announced the [[British government response to the COVID-19 pandemic#Furlough and jobs protection|Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme]], and employees were subsequently furloughed instead.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dawkins |first1=David |title=Bad Times For Billionaire Branson–Staff At Virgin Atlantic Asked To Take Unpaid Leave As Coronavirus Cripples Air Travel |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddawkins/2020/03/16/bad-times-for-billionaire-bransonstaff-at-virgin-atlantic-asked-to-take-unpaid-leave-as-coronavirus-cripples-air-travel/#4d9f5cea58ef |access-date=21 March 2020 |work=Forbes |date=16 March 2020}}</ref> Whilst furloughed, many staff volunteered with the [[National Health Service]], answering 999 calls, and at [[NHS trust]]s in London and the South East.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Alison |title=Furloughed Virgin Atlantic staff to handle 999 calls |url=https://www.hsj.co.uk/furloughed-virgin-atlantic-staff-to-handle-999-calls/7027423.article |access-date=14 October 2020 |work=HSJ |date=17 April 2020}}</ref> On 27 March, it was reported that Virgin Atlantic was expected to seek a government bailout, which was on 1 April reportedly backed by [[Rolls-Royce Holdings|Rolls-Royce]], [[Airbus]] and [[Heathrow Airport Holdings]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52066640 |title=Virgin Atlantic seeks bailout in coming days |date=27 March 2020 |work=BBC News |access-date=3 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/01/virgin-atlantic-bailout-backed-by-rolls-royce-airbus-and-heathrow |title=Virgin Atlantic bailout backed by Rolls-Royce, Airbus and Heathrow |date=1 April 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=3 April 2020 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

In May 2020, Virgin Atlantic announced over 3,000 jobs losses in the UK and an imminent end to operations at [[Gatwick Airport]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 May 2020 |title=Virgin Atlantic to cut 3,000 jobs and quit Gatwick |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52542038 |access-date=6 May 2020}}</ref> On 7 June, Virgin Atlantic commenced cargo-only flights between Brussels Airport and London Heathrow, feeding the high demand for European cargo into its network via LHR. As of 2022 the flights still continue on a daily basis, using all aircraft types within the fleet.On 4 August, Virgin Atlantic filed for [[bankruptcy]] protection from creditors in the US as part of a recapitalisation and debt restructuring plan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/04/virgin-atlantic-files-for-bankruptcy-as-covid-continues-to-hurt-airlines |title=Virgin Atlantic files for bankruptcy protection as Covid continues to hurt airlines |access-date=4 August 2020 |website=The Guardian |date=4 August 2020}}</ref> On 25 August 2020, creditors approved the £1.2bn (€1.3bn) rescue package and debt restructuring.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 August 2020 |title=Virgin Atlantic rescue approved but airlines continue to feel the heat |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40037801.html |access-date=26 August 2020 |website=Irish Examiner}}</ref> On 4 September 2020, Virgin Atlantic announced a second round of job cuts, totalling 1,150 across all departments. Since the start of 2020, the company halved its workforce due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief executive Shai Weiss said that "further reducing the number of people we employ is heartbreaking but essential."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/976a87a7-fa63-4813-8e87-2abb4c702914 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/976a87a7-fa63-4813-8e87-2abb4c702914 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic to shed 1,000 more jobs as Covid-19 crisis bites deeper |work=Financial Times |date=4 September 2020 |last=Georgiadis |first=Phillip |access-date=4 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-virgin-atlantic/virgin-atlantic-plans-1150-more-job-cuts-after-completing-rescue-deal-idUSKBN25V1MG |title=Virgin Atlantic plans 1,150 more job cuts |publisher=reuters.com |date=4 September 2020 |access-date=10 September 2020}}</ref>

As of February 2022, during [[Russia]]'s [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|invasion of Ukraine]], Virgin Atlantic, along with the other UK carriers, observed a ban from travelling in Russian [[airspace]] that was a retaliatory measure for the UK's ban on Russia's [[Flag carrier|main carrier]], [[Aeroflot]] and all other Russian private jets and carriers from using UK airspace.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 February 2022 |title=Ukraine invasion: More countries issue airspace ban on Russian planes |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60539303 |access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref>

On 27 September 2022, Virgin Atlantic announced that the airline would join [[SkyTeam]] airline alliance in early 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Virgin Atlantic joins Skyteam |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2022/09/27/virgin-atlantic-joins-skyteam/ |access-date=27 September 2022 |website=Business Traveller}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=Virgin Atlantic to join SkyTeam Alliance |url=https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2022/virgin-atlantic-to-join-skyteam-alliance |location=Amsterdam |publisher=SkyTeam |access-date=27 September 2022}}</ref> It was first time that a British airline joined an airline alliance since [[British Midland International]] joined [[Star Alliance]] in 2002 and [[British Airways]] of [[Oneworld]] in 1999. In February 2023, the airline stated that it would join SkyTeam on 2 March 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Virgin to become first UK SkyTeam member |magazine=[[Aviation News]] |date=November 2022 |page=5}}</ref>

In November 2023, the airlines announced plans to resume its flights to Dubai after four years of ceasing operations in the emirate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Virgin Atlantic returns to Dubai after 2019 |url=https://thearabianpost.com/virgin-atlantic-returns-to-dubai-after-2019/ |website=Arabian Post |date=November 2023}}</ref> Also in November 2023, the airline announced plans to operate a flight on 28 November between London Heathrow and New York City using 100 per cent [[sustainable aviation fuel]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 November 2023 |title=Virgin Atlantic wins UK permit for 100% sustainable fuel transatlantic flight |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/virgin-atlantic-fly-transatlantic-with-100-sustainable-fuel-2023-11-06/ |access-date=7 November 2023}}</ref> The flight was operated on the airlines' [[Boeing 787-9]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Prisco |first=Jacopo |date=28 November 2023 |title=Plane will fly from London to New York with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Experts say it's not a fix |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/28/travel/first-transatlantic-flight-saf-climate-scn-spc/index.html |access-date=29 November 2023 |website=CNN}}</ref> The flight was successful and made it to New York from London on 28 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Topham |first1=Gwyn |date=28 November 2023 |title=First transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable jet fuel takes off |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/28/transatlantic-flight-sustainable-jet-fuel-virgin-atlantic-saf |access-date=29 November 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Because it was a test flight, there were no fare-paying passengers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 November 2023 |title=Groundbreaking transatlantic flight using greener fuel lands in the US |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67548961 |access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref>

On 19 May 2024, it was reported that approximately 200 former cabin crew were suing Virgin Atlantic for unfair dismissal during the redundancy process following the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. It was reported that they protected over 350 new hires who had only completed approximately 1 week of training out of 6 weeks rather than keep experienced older staff who had been with the airline for over 20 years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |date=19 May 2024 |title=Hundreds of Virgin Atlantic cabin crew sue for unfair dismissal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/may/19/hundreds-virgin-atlantic-cabin-crew-sue-unfair-dismissal |access-date=28 August 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==Corporate affairs==
===Offices===
[[File:Virgin Atlantic HQ, Manor Royal, Crawley.JPG|thumb|The former head office building ''The Office'' in [[Crawley]]]]

Virgin Atlantic's head office, known as ''The VHQ'', is located on a business park in [[Crawley]], England, near [[Gatwick Airport]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.virginatlantic.com/ |title=Home |publisher=Virgin Atlantic |access-date=19 December 2022 |quote=Registered office: The VHQ, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9DF}}</ref> and also houses the corporate offices of [[Virgin Holidays]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/info/about/contact_us/ |title=Contact us |year=2020 |publisher=Virgin Holidays |access-date=14 October 2020 |archive-date=20 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820090310/http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/info/about/contact_us/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The company operates several offices and call centres around the United Kingdom, including a large office in [[Swansea]], [[Wales]], which is a base for reservations, sales, baggage claims and tracing, 'live chat' web support and a customer relations department.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 2010 |title=200 jobs as Virgin Atlantic open Swansea call centre |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-11878401 |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

International offices are located at [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]], Barbados, Greater Delhi, Johannesburg, Lagos and Shanghai.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta |work=Virgin Atlantic Cargo |url=https://www.virginatlanticcargo.com/gb/en/our-network/worldwide-offices/atlanta.html |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Barbados |work=Virgin Atlantic Cargo |url=https://www.virginatlanticcargo.com/gb/en/our-network/worldwide-offices/barbados.html |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Delhi |work=Virgin Atlantic Cargo |url=https://www.virginatlanticcargo.com/gb/en/our-network/worldwide-offices/delhi.html |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Johannesburg |work=Virgin Atlantic Cargo |url=https://www.virginatlanticcargo.com/gb/en/our-network/worldwide-offices/johannesburg.html |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lagos |work=Virgin Atlantic Cargo |url=https://www.virginatlanticcargo.com/gb/en/our-network/worldwide-offices/lagos.html |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shanghai |work=Virgin Atlantic Cargo |url=https://www.virginatlanticcargo.com/gb/en/our-network/worldwide-offices/shanghai.html |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref>

===Ownership===
In December 1999, Virgin Group agreed a deal to sell a 49% stake in the airline to [[Singapore Airlines]] for £600{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Branson sells 49% of Virgin Atlantic |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/572516.stm |work=BBC News |date=20 December 1999 |access-date=14 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Singapore buys into Virgin |magazine=Australian Aviation |issue=159 |date=March 2000 |page=15}}</ref> The transaction was completed on 30 March 2000.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=SIA and Virgin - the deal is done |magazine=Australian Aviation |issue=161 |date=May 2000 |page=17}}</ref>

On 14 May 2008, Singapore Airlines formally announced an invitation for offers for its Virgin Atlantic stake, and publicly acknowledged that its stake in the airline had underperformed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/347747/1/.html |title=SIA invites offers for its 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic |publisher=[[CNA (TV network)|Channel News Asia]] |date=14 May 2008 |access-date=7 June 2011 |archive-date=29 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929015515/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/347747/1/.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In November 2010, Virgin Atlantic appointed [[Deutsche Bank]] to begin a strategic review of options for the airline following the tie-up between British Airways and American Airlines.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sir Richard Branson begins strategic review of Virgin Atlantic |author=Alistair Osborne |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8111295/Sir-Richard-Branson-begins-strategic-review-of-Virgin-Atlantic.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location =London |date=5 November 2010 |access-date=14 October 2020}}</ref> By February 2011, it was confirmed that [[SkyTeam]] members [[Air France–KLM]] and Delta Air Lines had appointed [[Goldman Sachs]] to advise them on a joint potential approach for Virgin Atlantic. [[Etihad Airways]] was also reported to be considering a deal,<ref>{{cite news |title=Air France and Delta to target Virgin Atlantic |author=Louise Armitstead |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8336857/Air-France-and-Delta-to-target-Virgin-Atlantic.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location= London |date=20 February 2011 |access-date=14 October 2020}}</ref> and [[Willie Walsh (Irish businessman)|Willie Walsh]], chief executive of [[International Airlines Group]], stated that they would be interested in the airline, but only for the lucrative take-off and landing slots it holds at Heathrow Airport.<ref>{{cite news |title=IAG 'very interested' in Virgin, but only for slots: Walsh |author=Max Kingsley-Jones |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/02/24/353562/iag-very-interested-in-virgin-but-only-for-slots.html |newspaper=[[FlightGlobal]] |date=24 February 2011 |access-date=1 August 2013}}</ref>

On 11 December 2012, Delta Air Lines announced it had agreed terms to purchase Singapore Airlines' 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic for £224{{nbsp}}million, with plans to develop a transatlantic joint venture. Regulatory approval from the United States and European Union was granted on 20 June 2013,<ref>{{cite news |title=Regulators Clear Virgin Atlantic/Delta Deal |url=http://news.sky.com/story/1106216/regulators-clear-virgin-atlantic-delta-deal |newspaper=[[Sky News]] |date=20 June 2013 |access-date=23 June 2013}}</ref> and the purchase was completed on 24 June.<ref>{{cite news |title=Delta secures Virgin Atlantic stake |author=Andrew Parker |url=https://www.ft.com/content/7137fd22-dcb2-11e2-9700-00144feab7de |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210221253/https://www.ft.com/content/7137fd22-dcb2-11e2-9700-00144feab7de |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |work=[[Financial Times]] |location=London |date=24 June 2013 |access-date=24 June 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2012, International Airlines Group CEO, Willie Walsh, suggested that the loss-making company would be history within five years. "I can't see Delta wanting to operate the Virgin brand because if they do what does that say about the Delta brand? I just don't see that the guy [Branson] has anything that stands out in terms of what he has achieved in the industry."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://business.time.com/2012/12/13/virgin-finally-hooks-up-why-richard-branson-made-a-deal-with-delta/ |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |location=New York |title=Virgin Finally Hooks Up: Why Richard Branson Cut a Deal With Delta |first=Bill |last=Saporito |date=13 December 2012 |access-date=12 December 2012}}</ref>

In July 2017, Virgin Group agreed to sell a 31% stake in the airline to Air France-KLM for £220{{nbsp}}million, leaving it with a 20% holding.<ref name="BBC"/> The deal fell through in late 2019.<ref name="FT">{{Cite news |last=Powley |first=Tanya |date=4 December 2019 |title=Air France-KLM drops plan to buy third of Virgin Atlantic |url=https://www.ft.com/content/0a67e5f4-16b6-11ea-8d73-6303645ac406 |access-date=5 March 2025 |work=[[Financial Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Virgin Atlantic Bid Binned |magazine=[[Airliner World]] |date=February 2020 |page=6}}</ref>

===Senior leadership===
*''Chairman:'' Peter Norris (since July 2012)
*''Chief Executive:'' Shai Weiss (since January 2019)

====List of former chairmen====
#[[Randolph Fields]] (1984–1985)
#[[Sir Richard Branson]] (1985–2012)

====List of former chief executives====
#[[Sir Richard Branson]] (1984–2001)
#[[Steve Ridgway]] (2001–2013)
#Craig Kreeger (2013–2018)

===Business trends===
The key trends for Virgin Atlantic are shown below (from 2014 onwards, figures are for year ending December; earlier figures are for year ending February, and exclude [[Air Nigeria|Virgin Nigeria]] operations 2005–2008):

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
! 
!  2007
!  2008
!  2009
!  2010
!  2011
!  2012
!  2013
!  2014
!  2015
!  2016
!  2017
!  2018
!  2019
!  2020
!  2021
!  2022
!  2023
!  2024
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Turnover (£m)
| 1,630

| 2,337
| 2,579
| 2,357
| 2,700
| 2,740
| 2,870
| 2,828
| 2,782
| 2,689
| 2,664
| 2,781
| 2,927
| 868
| 928 
|2,854
|3,118
|3,301
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Profit (EBT) (£m)
| 68.0
| 22.9
| 68.4
| {{color|red|−132.0}}
| 18.5
| {{color|red|−80.2}}
| {{color|red|−69.9}}
| {{color|red|−174.7}}
| 87.5
| 23.0
| {{color|red|−28.4}}
| {{color|red|−12.8}}
| {{color|red|−63.7}}
| {{color|red|-659}}
| {{color|red|-594}}
| {{color|red|-341.6}}
| {{color|red|-224.6}}
| {{color|red|-95.9}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Net profit (£m)
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
|
|
| 80.1 
| 187.3
| {{color|red|−65.6}}
| {{color|red|−38.4}}
| {{color|red|−54.7}}
| {{color|red|−864.1}}
| {{color|red|-486}}
| {{color|red|-515}}
| {{color|red|-110.7}}
| {{color|red|-144.1}}
|- 
| style="text-align:left;" | Number of employees (average monthly) 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| c.9,000
| style="text-align:center;"|9,580
| style="text-align:center;"|9,231
| style="text-align:center;"|9,005
| style="text-align:center;"|8,875
| style="text-align:center;"|8,303
| style="text-align:center;"|8,571 
| style="text-align:center;"|10,051
| style="text-align:center;"|7,437
| style="text-align:center;" |6,500
|6,532
|7,342
|7,629
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Total flights
| 21,344
| 22,149
| 20,735
| 19,484
| 20,519
| 21,033
| 28,373
| 29,710
| 27,147
| 21,883
|
|  
| 
| 6 673
| 7 966
|21,835
|23,720
|24,832
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Number of passengers (m)
| 5.7
| 5.8
| 5.5
| 5.5
| 5.3
| 5.4
| 5.5
| 6.1
| 5.7
| 5.4
| 5.3
| 5.4
| 5.9
| 1.2
| 1.1
|4.4
|5.3
|5.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Passenger load factor (%)
| 76.5
| 76.9
| 78.9
| 82.5
| 77.5
| 78.1
| 77.4
| 79.3
| 76.8
| 78.7
| 78.3
| 78.6
| 81.0
| 61.1
| 49.3
|73.4
|77.0
|77.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Number of aircraft (at year end)
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 40
| 40
| 39
| 40
| 39
| 39
| 46
| 45
| 37
|
|38
|40
|45
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | ''Notes/sources''
| <ref name="UK CAA">{{cite web |url=http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=80&pagetype=88&pageid=1&sglid=1 |title=UK Airline Statistics, Data, Economic Regulation |publisher= Civil Aviation Authority |date=19 April 2010 |access-date=1 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="Virgin Atlantic press information">{{cite web |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/content/dam/VAA/Documents/Press%20office/PRESS-INFORMATION-KIT.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725191454/http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/content/dam/VAA/Documents/Press%20office/PRESS-INFORMATION-KIT.pdf |archive-date=25 July 2012 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic press information kit |publisher=Virgin Atlantic |date=March 2013 |access-date=3 August 2013}}</ref>
| <ref name="UK CAA"/><ref name="Virgin Atlantic press information"/>
| <ref name="UK CAA"/><ref name="Virgin Atlantic press information"/>
| <ref name="UK CAA"/><ref name="Virgin Atlantic press information"/>
| <ref name="UK CAA"/><ref name="Virgin Atlantic press information"/>
| <ref name="Virgin Atlantic press information"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/pressoffice/faq/staffnumbers.jsp |title=Staff Numbers |publisher=Virgin Atlantic |access-date=12 December 2012}}</ref><br/><ref name=2012results>{{Cite press release |title=Virgin Atlantic completes biggest ever product investment programme as it reports its 2012 financial results |publisher=Virgin Atlantic |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/footer/media-centre/press-releases/productinvestment.html |access-date=21 August 2012 |date=3 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=2013sust>{{Cite press release |title=Virgin Atlantic Sustainability Report 2013 |publisher=Virgin Atlantic |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/content/dam/VAA/Documents/sustainabilitypdf/Virgin-Atlantic-Change-is-in-the-Air-Sustainability-Report-2013.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223091703/http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/content/dam/VAA/Documents/sustainabilitypdf/Virgin-Atlantic-Change-is-in-the-Air-Sustainability-Report-2013.pdf |archive-date=23 February 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=7 February 2014 |year=2013}}</ref>
| <ref name="2013 Results">{{cite news |url=http://www.e-tid.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Virgin-Atlantic-Annual-Results-2013.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210190005/http://www.e-tid.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Virgin-Atlantic-Annual-Results-2013.pdf |archive-date=10 February 2014 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic 2013 Financial Results |date=16 May 2013 |access-date=7 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Financial Times">{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/970cdbca-be22-11e2-9b27-00144feab7de |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210221209/https://www.ft.com/content/970cdbca-be22-11e2-9b27-00144feab7de#axzz2UzYiuVFr |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic chief vows return to profit |author=Andrew Parker |work=Financial Times |location=London |date=16 May 2013 |access-date=3 August 2013}}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/footer/media-centre/press-releases/financial-results-2014/_jcr_content.html |title=Virgin Atlantic 2014 financial results |date=10 March 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/content/dam/VAA/Documents/Press%20office/VAL_FY14_Annual_Report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722042846/http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/content/dam/VAA/Documents/Press%20office/VAL_FY14_Annual_Report.pdf |archive-date=22 July 2015 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic 2014 Full Year Report |date=10 March 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/content/dam/VAA/Documents/Pressoffice/VAL_FY15_Annual_Report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602083418/http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/content/dam/VAA/Documents/Pressoffice/VAL_FY15_Annual_Report.pdf |archive-date=2 June 2016 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic Annual Report 2015 |date=17 March 2016 |access-date=29 April 2016}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/vaa/documents/footer/mediacentre/VAL_FY16_Annual_Report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329052719/http://www.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/vaa/documents/footer/mediacentre/VAL_FY16_Annual_Report.pdf |archive-date=29 March 2017 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic Annual Report 2016 |date=23 March 2017 |access-date=3 June 2017}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/VA-2017-Annual-Report_Full.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403144713/https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/VA-2017-Annual-Report_Full.pdf |archive-date=3 April 2019 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic Annual Report 2017 |date=15 March 2018 |access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/VIR007_2018%20Annual%20Report%20%26%20Accounts.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720091242/https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/VIR007_2018%20Annual%20Report%20%26%20Accounts.pdf |archive-date=20 July 2021 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic Annual Report 2018 |date=20 March 2019 |access-date=11 August 2021}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/Virgin%20Atlantic%20Annual%20Report%202019_Final.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130084613/https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/Virgin%20Atlantic%20Annual%20Report%202019_Final.pdf |archive-date=30 January 2021 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic Annual Report 2019 |website=virginatlantic.com |access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/Virgin%20Atlantic%20Annual%20Report%202020_final%20v1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430160114/https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/Virgin%20Atlantic%20Annual%20Report%202020_final%20v1.pdf |archive-date=30 April 2021 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic Annual Report 2020|website=virginatlantic.com |access-date=20 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.caa.co.uk/Documents/Download/4090/86ea7bc4-6aee-46c7-bd19-e86d3ddf5322/1027 |title=All Services 2020 |website=caa.co.uk |access-date=20 October 2022}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/Virgin%20Atlantic%20Annual%20Report%202021_compressed.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020185928/https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/content/dam/corporate/Virgin%20Atlantic%20Annual%20Report%202021_compressed.pdf |archive-date=20 October 2022 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic Annual Report 2020 |website=virginatlantic.com |access-date=20 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.caa.co.uk/data-and-analysis/uk-aviation-market/airlines/uk-airline-data/uk-airline-data-2021/annual-2021/ |title=All Services 2021 |website=caa.co.uk |access-date=20 October 2022}}</ref>
|
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|}

===Service concept===
[[File:Virgin lounge, Heathrow.jpg|thumb|''Clubhouse'' lounge at [[Heathrow Airport]]]]

Virgin Atlantic aircraft operate with a three-class cabin configuration: [[Economy Class|Economy]], Premium (formerly [[Premium Economy]]),<ref name="VApremium"/> and Upper Class - the [[business class]] product. Premium has a separate check-in area, priority boarding and a wider seat with more legroom. Upper Class features a seat that converts into a fully flat bed and access to a private check in area (called the Upper Class Wing at London Heathrow).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/the-virgin-experience/upperclass/arrive-in-style.html |title=Upper Class transfers |publisher=Virgin Atlantic |access-date=30 June 2012}}</ref> Virgin Atlantic was the first airline to offer personal entertainment for all passengers in all classes.<ref>{{cite web |first=Natalie |last=Clarkson |title=Celebrating 35 years of Virgin Atlantic |url=https://www.virgin.com/about-virgin/latest/celebrating-35-years-virgin-atlantic |publisher=Virgin Atlantic |access-date=6 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919122150/https://www.virgin.com/about-virgin/latest/celebrating-35-years-virgin-atlantic |archive-date=19 September 2020 |date=20 June 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The airline's [[frequent-flyer program]] is styled 'the Flying Club'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thriftytraveler.com/guides/points/virgin-atlantic-flying-club/|title=Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: How to Earn & Redeem These Valuable Points
|publisher=Thrifty Traveller|access-date=31 August 2025}}</ref>

Virgin Atlantic operate five [[airport lounge]]s branded as 'Clubhouses' at [[Heathrow Airport|London Heathrow]], [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] in New York, [[Dulles International Airport]] in Washington, D.C., [[San Francisco International Airport]] and [[O. R. Tambo International Airport]] in Johannesburg.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/the-virgin-experience/our-clubhouses.html |title=Our Clubhouses |work=virgin-atlantic.com}}</ref>

===Little Red===
{{Further|Virgin Atlantic Little Red}}
[[File:Virgin Atlantic Airbus A320-214; EI-EZW@LHR;13.05.2013 708fk (8738115862).jpg|thumb|Virgin Atlantic [[Airbus A320-200]] ''Little Red'' operated by Aer Lingus]]

[[British Midland International]] provided domestic and European feeder traffic into Heathrow Airport in partnership with Virgin<ref>{{cite news |title=Virgin set to boost short-haul ambitions |author=Mark Odell |url=https://www.ft.com/content/38e70fb8-31a3-11e2-92f0-00144feabdc0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210221227/https://www.ft.com/content/38e70fb8-31a3-11e2-92f0-00144feabdc0#axzz2aSVMFD9U |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=Financial Times |date=19 November 2012 |access-date=29 July 2013}}</ref> until it was purchased by British Airways' parent company [[International Airlines Group]] in 2011. The [[Lufthansa]]-owned airline had faced heavy annual losses of more than £100{{nbsp}}million. Under the terms of the takeover, IAG had to relinquish some former BMI domestic slots at Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic purchased enough slots in 2012 to enable it to launch a domestic service on 31 March 2013, under the Little Red brand, operating a total of 12 daily services from London to [[Aberdeen Airport|Aberdeen]] (three), [[Edinburgh Airport|Edinburgh]] (six), and Manchester (three).<ref name="Domestic">{{cite news |title=Virgin Atlantic unveils UK airline service |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21625591 |newspaper=BBC News Online |date=1 March 2013 |access-date=1 March 2013}}</ref> The airline [[Aircraft lease|wet-leased]] four Airbus [[Airbus A320-200]]s from [[Aer Lingus]], operating with Virgin Atlantic livery, under a three-year contract.<ref name="Lingus">{{cite news |title=Virgin Atlantic to wet-lease A320s from Aer Lingus |author=David Kaminski-Morrow |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/virgin-atlantic-to-wet-lease-a320s-from-aer-lingus-379994/ |work=Flightglobal |location=London |date=10 December 2012 |access-date=14 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Aer Lingus to operate third UK route for Virgin |author=Ciara Kenny |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/transport-and-tourism/aer-lingus-to-operate-third-uk-route-for-virgin-1.1352896 |newspaper=Irish Times |location=Dublin |date=8 April 2013 |access-date=3 August 2013}}</ref>

In September 2014, it was reported that Virgin Atlantic was considering closing its domestic brand after suffering heavy losses,<ref name="Little Red">{{cite news |title=Little Red could be thrown to the wolves and shut by ruthless Virgin |author=Andrew Clark |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/little-red-could-be-thrown-to-the-wolves-and-shut-by-ruthless-virgin-0lnggd9330j |newspaper=[[The Times]] |location=London |date=8 September 2014 |access-date=8 September 2014}}</ref> with [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|Civil Aviation Authority]] figures confirming an average seat occupancy level of just 37.6% in 2013.<ref name="telegraph_little_red"/> The 12 daily pairs of take-off and landing slots at Heathrow cannot be sold to be used for long-haul routes.<ref name="BMIslots">{{cite news |title=Virgin eyes BMI slots for launch of UK flights |url=http://www.airportwatch.org.uk/?p=1694/ |publisher=Airport Watch |location=London |date=8 April 2012 |access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref>

On 6 October 2014, Virgin Atlantic confirmed that the Little Red service would cease; flights to Manchester ended on 28 March 2015 and flights to Edinburgh and Aberdeen ended on 26 September 2015.<ref>{{cite news |date=6 October 2014 |title=Virgin Atlantic cancels Little Red domestic flight service |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29504715 |newspaper=BBC News |access-date=6 October 2014}}</ref>

===Virgin Atlantic International Limited===
On 13 April 2015, Virgin Atlantic incorporated a new subsidiary – Virgin Atlantic International Limited.<ref name="VAIcompany">{{cite web |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/09539561 |title=Virgin Atlantic International Limited |website=companieshouse.gov.uk |publisher=Companies House |access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref> In November 2015, the subsidiary obtained its own [[Air operator's certificate|Air Operators Certificate]] and Operating Licence, and commenced operations with two former Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited operated [[Airbus A330-300]] aircraft taking over routes previously operated by Virgin Atlantic Limited between London Gatwick and Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, Grenada and Tobago.<ref name="VAIL">{{cite web |url=http://www.vsflyinghub.com/assets/pdfs/stop-press/stop-press-852-virgin-atlantic-international-limited-vail-.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206103427/http://www.vsflyinghub.com/assets/pdfs/stop-press/stop-press-852-virgin-atlantic-international-limited-vail-.pdf |archive-date=6 February 2017 |url-status=live |title=Virgin Atlantic Stop Press 852: Virgin Atlantic International Limited (VAIL) |date=10 November 2015 |website=vsflyinghub.com |publisher=Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. |access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref> These flights are operated on behalf of Virgin Atlantic.<ref name="VAIL2">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/news/virgin-atlantic-sets-up-new-airline-entity-1666 |title=Virgin Atlantic sets up new airline entity |last=Whyte |first=Patrick |date=20 November 2015 |website=ttgmedia.com |publisher=TTG |access-date=5 February 2017}}</ref>

Upon incorporation as an AOC holder, the majority of Virgin Atlantic's landing slots at London Heathrow Airport were transferred to Virgin Atlantic International Limited, allowing Virgin Atlantic to access the value of the carriers' slots by '[[Mortgage loan|mortgaging]]' them through open investment from capital markets.<!--Copyvio before this comment removed. Source copied from: <ref name="Slots">{{cite web |url=http://www.cityam.com/230546/virgin-atlantic-raises-220m-from-mortgaging-its-heathrow-landing-slots- |title=Virgin Atlantic raises £220m from mortgaging its Heathrow landing slots |last=Ratcliffe |first=Madeline |date=9 December 2015 |website=cityam.com |publisher=CITY A.M. |access-date=18 October 2020}}</ref>--><ref name="Slots2">{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/40193024-9e8b-11e5-b45d-4812f209f861 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/40193024-9e8b-11e5-b45d-4812f209f861 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=Virgin Atlantic lands Europe's first bond tied to airport slots |last1=Powley |first1=Tanya |last2=Jackson |first2=Gavin |date=10 December 2015 |work=Financial Times}}</ref>

===Flybe takeover bid===
On 11 January 2019, Virgin Atlantic formed the [[Connect Airways]] consortium with [[Stobart Group#Stobart Aviation|Stobart Aviation]] and Cyrus Capital, to make a takeover bid for [[Flybe (1979–2020)|Flybe]].<ref name="fg-20190111">{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Virgin Atlantic and Stobart link up to take over Flybe |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/virgin-atlantic-and-stobart-link-up-to-take-over-fly-454952/ |work=Flightglobal.com |date=11 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="fg-20190111-cuts">{{cite news |last1=Kaminski-Morrow |first1=David |title=Cuts likely as Virgin shapes Flybe-Stobart combination |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/cuts-likely-as-virgin-shapes-flybe-stobart-combinati-454957/ |work=Flightglobal.com |date=11 January 2019}}</ref> The deal would see the consortium combine Flybe and [[Stobart Air]] with Virgin Atlantic to create an integrated carrier operating under the Virgin Atlantic brand.<ref name="insidermedia-20190111">{{cite news |last1=Calder |first1=Simon |title=Consortium strikes takeover deal for Flybe |url=https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/northwest/consortium-strikes-takeover-deal-for-flybe |work=Insider Media Ltd |date=11 January 2019}}</ref> Flybe and Stobart Air would however retain their own [[Air Operator Certificate]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dyson |first1=Momlly |title=Virgin Atlantic and Stobart agree Flybe take-over |url=https://buyingbusinesstravel.com/news/1129764-virgin-atlantic-and-stobart-agree-flybe-take-over |work=buyingbusinesstravel.com |date=11 January 2019 |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111175702/https://buyingbusinesstravel.com/news/1129764-virgin-atlantic-and-stobart-agree-flybe-take-over |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 15 January 2019, Connect Airways announced an increased offer, which Flybe's board accepted.<ref name="atwonline-20190115">{{cite news |last1=Reals |first1=Kerry |title=Connect Airways raises takeover offer for Flybe |url=http://atwonline.com/airlines/connect-airways-raises-takeover-offer-flybe |work=atwonline.com}}</ref> On 21 February 2019, the Flybe Group confirmed that its operating assets, including the airline and the website, had indeed been transferred to Connect Airways, despite a last-minute rival bid.<ref name=cityam-20190221>{{cite news |last1=Warrington |first1=James |title=Flybe completes sale to Virgin-led consortium |url=http://www.cityam.com/273638/flybe-completes-sale-virgin-led-consortium-after-dramatic |work=cityam.com |date=21 February 2019}}</ref> However, despite the investment of £135{{nbsp}}million from Connect Airways into Flybe, the airline filed for administration and ceased operations with immediate effect in March 2020, following reduced demand that Virgin Atlantic attributed to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and the UK government failing to grant a £100{{nbsp}}million loan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/beleaguered-flybe-ceases-operations/137095.article |title=Beleaguered Flybe ceases operations |author=Alfred Chua |date=5 March 2020 |work=Flightglobal}}</ref><ref name="Flybecollapse"/>

===Gender-neutral ticketing and uniforms===
{{further|Legal recognition of non-binary gender}}
In September 2022, Virgin Atlantic announced the introduction of two new sets of uniforms, designed by [[Vivienne Westwood]], as well as a new policy to embrace the concept of [[gender neutrality]]. She worked  closely with Richard Branson to design a uniform comprises a bright red [[skirt suit]] and [[high-heeled shoes]], and the other a [[burgundy (colour)|burgundy]]-coloured [[trouser suit]] with a grey [[waistcoat]], red tie and flat black shoes. Staff will be allowed to choose either uniform, and may also choose to wear a badge indicating their [[preferred pronoun]] of address. The new uniforms are for crew, pilots and ground staff.<ref name=clatworthy2022>{{cite web |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/the-oz/news/let-them-wear-skirts-virgin-atlantic-introduces-genderneutral-uniforms/news-story/191f84422b97ae2eea4309e3e6f87f40 |website=[[The Australian]] |title='Let them wear skirts': Virgin introduces gender-neutral uniforms |first=Ben |last=Clatworthy |date=29 September 2022 |access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/aviation/virgin-atlantic-introduces-gender-neutral-uniforms-for-flight-crew-including-skirts-and-heels-for-men-c-8393504.amp |title='Let them wear skirts,' says Virgin in uniform revamp |date=29 September 2022 |first= Izzy |last=Lyons}}</ref>

At the same time, the company is making changes to its ticketing systems to allow those holding passports which indicate gender-neutrality to be entered as “U” or “X”, as well as offering a new title of address, “Mx”, on their reservations. At this time, not all countries offer this option on passports; those that do include the United States, India, Pakistan,<ref name=clatworthy2022/> Nepal, Australia, Canada, Argentina, Colombia, Germany, Ireland, and Iceland.<ref name="The Economist 2022">{{cite news |title=Which countries offer gender-neutral passports? |newspaper=The Economist |date=11 April 2022 |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2022/04/11/which-countries-offer-gender-neutral-passports |access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref>

==Destinations==
{{Main|List of Virgin Atlantic destinations}}

===Codeshare agreements===
Virgin Atlantic has [[codeshare agreement]]s with the following airlines:<ref name="PTNR">{{cite web |title=Our partner airlines |url=https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/before-you-book/partner-airlines.html |publisher=Virgin Atlantic |access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Aeroméxico]]
* [[Air France]] {{small|(Joint Venture Partner)}}
* [[Air New Zealand]]
* [[China Eastern Airlines]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/virgin-atlantic-china-eastern-unveil-codeshare-routes |title=Virgin Atlantic, China Eastern Unveil Codeshare Routes |publisher=Aviation Week |date=30 January 2024 |access-date=30 January 2024}}</ref>
* [[Delta Air Lines]] {{small|(Joint Venture Partner)}}
* [[El Al]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scheer |first1=Steven |title=Israel's El Al, UK's Virgin Atlantic sign code share deal for London flights |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/israels-el-al-uks-virgin-atlantic-sign-code-share-deal-london-flights-2024-06-03/ |access-date=4 June 2024 |publisher=Reuters |date=3 June 2024}}</ref>
* [[IndiGo]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220823-vs6ecodeshare|title=Virgin Atlantic/IndiGo Begins Codeshare Partnership From late-Aug 2022|website=AeroRoutes}}</ref>
* [[Kenya Airways]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240319-vskqcodeshare |title=Virgin Atlantic begins Kenya Airways codeshare from late_March 2024 |access-date=19 March 2024 |work=AeroRoutes}}</ref>
* [[KLM]] {{small|(Joint Venture Partner)}}
* [[Korean Air]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://airlinergs.com/virgin-atlantic-to-launch-codeshare-with-korean-air/ |title=Virgin Atlantic to Launch Codeshare with Korean Air |publisher=ARGS |date=24 March 2023 |access-date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325065754/https://airlinergs.com/virgin-atlantic-to-launch-codeshare-with-korean-air/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[LATAM Airlines]]
* [[Middle East Airlines]]
* [[Saudia]]
* [[Scandinavian Airlines]]
* [[Singapore Airlines]]
* [[TUI Airways]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=TUI Airline Partners |url=https://www.tui.co.uk/flight/airline-partners |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=TUI |archive-date=16 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216022504/https://www.tui.co.uk/flight/airline-partners |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Vietnam Airlines]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231106-vnvscodeshare |title=Vietnam Airlines add Virgin Atlantic codeshare from mid-Dec 2023 |website=AeroRoutes |date=6 November 2023}}</ref>
* [[Virgin Australia]]
* [[WestJet]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250219-vswscodeshare |title=Virgin Atlantic Modifies WestJet Codeshare Partnership in NS25 |website=AeroRoutes}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

===Interline agreements===
Virgin Atlantic has [[interline agreement]]s with the following airlines:<ref name="PTNR"/>

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Aegean Airlines]]
* [[Aer Lingus]]
* [[Air India]]
* [[Air Malta]]
* [[Air Serbia]]
* [[Airlink]]
* [[British Airways]]
* [[Bulgaria Air]]
* [[Caribbean Airlines]]
* [[flydubai]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Interline baggage allowance and rules|url=https://www.flydubai.com/en/flying-with-us/baggage/interline-partners-baggage-rules|website=Flydubai}}</ref>
* [[Hawaiian Airlines]]
* [[Hong Kong Airlines]]
* [[Icelandair]]
* [[ITA Airways]]
* [[Scandinavian Airlines]]
* [[TAP Air Portugal]]
* [[TAROM]]
* [[Turkish Airlines]]
* [[XiamenAir]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Xiamen Air, Our SkyTeam partner |url=https://www.virginatlantic.com/en-US/flying-club/airline-partners/xiamen-air |website=Virgin Atlantic}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

==Fleet==
{{Main|Virgin Atlantic fleet}}
The [[Airbus A330|A330-300]] is a wide-body airliner manufactured by Airbus. The oldest model in the fleet, the first was delivered in April 2011, with older aircraft due to be retired and replaced by the A330-900 from 2027. Virgin Atlantic operates 7 of these aircraft as of June 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Virgin Airbus A330-300 {{!}} A330-300 Configuration |work=Virgin Atlantic |url=https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/cn/en/meet-our-fleet/airbus-a330s.html |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref> 

The [[Airbus A330neo|A330-900]], part of the Airbus A330neo family, is a newer, more fuel efficient version of the original A330ceo. The first was delivered in October 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2022 |title=Virgin Atlantic takes delivery of its first A330neo {{!}} News |work=Airbus Aircraft |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-10-virgin-atlantic-takes-delivery-of-its-first-a330neo |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref> In July 2024, Virgin Atlantic placed an order for an additional 7 aircraft, with deliveries due from 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 July 2024 |title=Virgin Atlantic Completes Fleet Transformation with New Airbus A330-900 Order |url=https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/media/press-releases/virgin-atlantic-completes-fleet-transformation.html |website=Virgin Atlantic}}</ref>

The [[Airbus A350|A350-1000 XWB]] is a wide-body airliner manufactured by Airbus. Virgin Atlantic took delivery of its first A350 in August 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kingsley-Jones |first=Max |date=9 August 2019 |title=Virgin Atlantic takes delivery of first A350-1000 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fleets/pictures-virgin-atlantic-takes-delivery-of-first-a350-1000/133863.article |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=Flight Global}}</ref>

The [[Boeing 787 Dreamliner|787-9 Dreamliner]] is a wide-body airliner manufactured by Boeing. The only Boeing model currently in the fleet, Virgin's first Dreamliner was delivered in October 2014. They operate 17 of these aircraft as of June 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 Dreamliner |work=Virgin Atlantic |url=https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/cn/en/meet-our-fleet/boeing-787s.html |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>

On 17 June 2019, at the Paris Air Show, Virgin Atlantic announced an order for 14 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, which will replace the A330ceo models starting in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 June 2019 |title=Virgin Atlantic chooses Airbus A330 to update fleet |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/17/virgin-atlantic-chooses-airbus-a330-to-update-fleet.html |access-date=2 November 2025 |website=CNBC}}</ref>

==Livery==
Virgin Atlantic's first aircraft were painted with a [[Aircraft livery#Eurowhite|"Eurowhite"]] design with a red stripe through the centre of the main deck windows. The engines were metallic silver and the tail red with the logo in white. In the 1990s, the refreshed design was introduced, removing the centre red stripe through the windows, engines were painted red, the Virgin Atlantic titles in grey were added along the main fuselage, and the 'Flying Lady' was introduced to the nose area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://headwind-designs.com/blogs/livery-history/virgin-atlantic-livery-history?srsltid=AfmBOopmpDbWeqLpHEQD5aRFgHhhEMBaiiyuEEeJMhz0kozRCaYgcpqm|title=Virgin Atlantic Livery History|publisher=Headwind Designs|access-date=31 August 2025}}</ref>

In October 2006, with the delivery of G-VRED, Virgin Atlantic introduced a new design, with the fuselage painted in metallic silver and a revised tail fin, with red and purple features and the logo. Near the nose of each aircraft is a [[pin-up girl]], the "Scarlet Lady", carrying a Union flag, which was designed by British artist [[Ken White]], who modelled the motif on the World War II pin-ups of [[Alberto Vargas]] – hence the naming one of the fleet ''Varga Girl'' (in this case, an A340-600 registered G-VGAS).<ref name="Virgin Atlantic press information"/>

Each aircraft has a name, usually feminine, such as ''Ladybird'', ''Island Lady'', and ''Ruby Tuesday'', but some are linked to registrations (e.g. G-VFIZ became ''Bubbles''). A couple are commemorative names (e.g. G-VEIL—''Queen of the Skies''—which was named by [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] on 7 April 2004, marking the centenary of the [[Entente Cordiale]]; this frame exited the fleet in April 2016. In January 2023, a new airframe — an Airbus A330-900 registered G-VEII — was christened ''Queen of the Skies'' in honour of the monarch).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Virgin Atlantic reveals Queen of the Skies aircraft in honour of Elizabeth II |work=Virgin |url=https://virgin.com/about-virgin/latest/virgin-atlantic-reveals-queen-of-the-skies-aircraft-in-honour-of-elizabeth |access-date=20 July 2023}}</ref> An exception is ''Spirit of Sir Freddie''. An early Boeing 747, it was named in honour of [[Freddie Laker]] of Laker Airways, who helped Virgin Atlantic following the demise of his own airline. G-VFAB—''Lady Penelope''—gained a special livery to celebrate Virgin Atlantic's 21st birthday. G-VFAB, ''Lady Penelope'', exited the fleet in September 2015 after 21 years of service and was subsequently parted out.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dinsdale |first1=James |title=Lady Penelope Arrives in Goodyear, Leaves a Legacy Behind |url=http://airlinegeeks.com/2015/09/28/exclusive-lady-penelope-rests-for-the-final-time/ |access-date=11 October 2015 |work=Airline Geeks |date=28 September 2015}}</ref> In 2006, the airline ran an eBay auction to name an Airbus A340-600, registered G-VYOU. The winner named it ''Emmeline Heaney'' after his newborn daughter, and the name adorned the aircraft for the remainder of its operating service until the aircraft was retired in October 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/blog/OurAircraft/g-vhow-do-we-name-our-aircraft.html |title=G-VHOW do we name our aircraft? |last=Gunner |first=Dave |website=Virgin Atlantic |date=7 August 2019 |access-date=3 September 2021}}</ref> In 2018, a previously stored Airbus A340-600 registered G-VNAP was returned to active use by Virgin Atlantic, and was renamed from ''Sleeping Beauty'' to ''Sleeping Beauty Rejuvenated''. It additionally received a special "thank you" livery dedicated to its 9,000 employees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PICTURES: Virgin Atlantic unveils special livery to thank employees |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/orders-and-deliveries/pictures-virgin-atlantic-unveils-special-livery-to-thank-employees/127081.article |date=13 February 2018 |access-date=5 October 2020 |website=[[FlightGlobal]] |publisher=[[DVV Media Group]]}}</ref>

The current livery dates from 2010 and returns to the "Eurowhite" design featuring purple billboard titles on the fuselage, slight changes to the Scarlet Lady, and new red metallic paint for the aircraft's tail and engines. On aircraft that have winglets, the wingtips are red, with the logo on the inside facing passengers on board. The Virgin Atlantic logo was also added in purple billboard titles to the underside of the aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.marketingweek.com/virgin-atlantic-flies-high-with-new-brand-livery-and-identity/ |title=Virgin Atlantic flies high with new brand livery and identity. |first=Branwell |last=Johnson |date=29 July 2010 |work=Marketing Week |location=London |access-date=1 December 2011}}</ref>

In anticipation of the [[Airbus A350 XWB|Airbus A350-1000]]'s introduction to the airline's fleet, Virgin Atlantic announced in April 2019 that its Flying Lady mascot to be adorned on the A350's nose would be replaced by illustrations referred to as ''Flying Icons'', consisting of a range of five individual characters in an effort to represent modern Britain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/pictures-virgin-atlantic-replaces-flying-lady-motif-on-a350-1000/132106.article |title=PICTURES: Virgin Atlantic replaces Flying Lady motif on A350-1000 |last=Harper |first=Lewis |website=[[FlightGlobal]] |publisher=[[DVV Media Group]] |date=2 April 2019 |access-date=3 September 2021}}</ref> Each of the characters, separately named Daley, Meera, Oscar, Ray, and Zadie, were styled and posed with Union flags similarly to the Flying Lady. Originally portraying the characters in [[leotard]]s, the illustrations were later revised by designer Toby Tinsley to instead portray the characters wearing more clothing and revealing less skin, prior to their application on Virgin Atlantic's first A350.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aerotelegraph.com/en/virgins-flying-icons-are-suddenly-wearing-more-clothes |title=No more bathing suits: Virgin's Flying Icons are suddenly wearing more clothes |last=Stoffels |first=Felix |website=aeroTELEGRAPH |date=4 March 2020 |access-date=3 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.creativemoment.co/flights-of-fancy-five-new-icons-celebrating-british-culture-today-appear-on-virgin-aircraft |title=Five new icons celebrating British culture today appear on Virgin aircraft |last=Smith |first=Lucy |website=Creative Moment |date=28 November 2019 |access-date=3 September 2021}}</ref> Meera, one of the first five characters, was also at some point changed to or replaced by Mei, a new character portraying a Chinese woman. Reasons for the changes or revisions were not provided by Virgin Atlantic or anyone involved in the branding. At least one additional Flying Icon was unveiled to complement the initial five, including an icon portraying an Indian woman, named Aria.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.virgin.com/about-virgin/latest/virgin-atlantic-reveals-new-flying-icon-india |title=Virgin Atlantic reveals a new flying icon for India |last=Clarkson |first=Natalie |website=Virgin |date=17 December 2019 |access-date=3 September 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Virgin Atlantic airbus a350-1000 G-VJAM.jpg|thumb|Virgin Atlantic [[Airbus A350|Airbus A350-1000]] G-VJAM arriving at the [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport]]]]

==Incidents and accidents==
Virgin Atlantic is considered to have a strong safety reputation. Since the airline's founding in 1984, it has never suffered a complete hull-loss incident or a passenger fatality.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/safest-airlines-in-the-world-for-2018-2017-12 |title=The 20 safest airlines in the world |last=Zhang |first=Benjamin |date=1 November 2018 |website=Business Insider |access-date=31 July 2019}}</ref>

* On [[Virgin Atlantic Flight 024|5 November 1997]], after numerous attempts to shake free the jammed main landing gear of an [[Airbus A340-300]] (G-VSKY) failed, the aircraft en route from Los Angeles to Heathrow made an emergency landing at Heathrow Airport. The aircraft sustained major damage to the undersides of engines one, two, and four, which made contact with the runway surface during landing. The runway surface was also damaged and several runway lights were broken as the right main landing gear wheels broke up during the deceleration. The aircraft was evacuated safely. Two crew members and five passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aaib.gov.uk/publications/formal_reports/4_2000__g_vsky.cfm |title=Report on the accident to Airbus A340-300, G-VSKY, at London Heathrow Airport on 5{{nbsp}}November 1997 |publisher=Air Accident Investigations Branch |year=2000 |access-date=14 March 2009}}</ref>
* On 8 February 2005, on board an [[Airbus A340-600]] aircraft (G-VATL) en route from Hong Kong to Heathrow, the fuel control computer system caused a loss of automatic fuel transfer between tanks. The pilots diverted to Amsterdam and landed safely. The interim accident report made four safety recommendations addressed to the primary certification bodies for large transport category aircraft ([[European Aviation Safety Agency|EASA]] and the [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA]]), advising on the need for a low-fuel warning system for large aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/5422f72c40f0b613420005d7/4-2007_G-VATL.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327015534/https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/5422f72c40f0b613420005d7/4-2007_G-VATL.pdf |archive-date=27 March 2016 |url-status=live |title=Airbus A340-642, G-VATL |publisher=Air Accident Investigations Branch |year=2006 |access-date=26 July 2007}}</ref>
* On 11 August 2011, Virgin Atlantic flight VS52, a [[Boeing 747-400]] (G-VXLG) operating from [[Tobago]]-[[A.N.R. Robinson International Airport]] to [[Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick Airport]] sustained minor damage in a taxiing incident. The aeroplane was taxiing out towards the departure runway at [[Tobago]]-[[A.N.R. Robinson International Airport]] when it entered a taxiway that was closed for construction activity. One of the wheels partly sank through the concrete. This resulted in the [[Boeing 747-400]] becoming stuck.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archives.newsday.co.tt/2011/08/13/tobago-airport-reopens-after-aircraft-incident/ |title=Tobago airport reopens after aircraft incident |date=13 August 2011}}</ref>
* On 29 December 2014, a [[Boeing 747-400]] (G-VROM) operating a flight from [[Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick Airport]] to McCarran International Airport (now [[Harry Reid International Airport]]) in [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], as Virgin Atlantic Flight 43, returned to Gatwick following an indication that the far right main landing gear was stuck inside the aircraft. The Boeing 747-400 landed safely on runway 26L at Gatwick without further incident. Investigators found that an actuator in the landing gear was installed inverted, sticking the [[landing gear]] leg sideways and could not be extended. There were no injuries to the 465 people on board and the aircraft returned to service on 11 January 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Virgin Atlantic jet lands safely with landing gear problem |newspaper= BBC News |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30625945?app-referrer=deep-link|access-date=31 August 2025}}</ref>
* On 15 March 2021, Virgin Atlantic flight 453 operated by a [[Boeing 787-9]] en route to Tel Aviv from Heathrow was forced to return to Heathrow after the aircraft was subject to a laser attack from the ground during take-off. The flight crew issued an emergency ''Pan'' call whilst flying over Paris  after the captain lost sight in one eye. No other injuries were reported.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ben |date=17 March 2021 |title=Virgin Atlantic 787 Diverts After Pilot Injured By Laser |url=https://onemileatatime.com/virgin-atlantic-pilot-laser/ |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=One Mile at a Time}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 March 2021 |title=Virgin Atlantic Jet Turns Back After Laser Attack on Pilots |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-16/virgin-atlantic-jet-turns-back-after-laser-attack-on-pilots |access-date=29 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Virgin Atlantic flight to TLV returns to UK after laser shone in cockpit |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/virgin-atlantic-flight-to-tlv-returns-to-uk-after-laser-shone-in-cockpit-662146 |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=16 March 2021}}</ref>
* On 2 May 2022, Virgin Atlantic flight VS3, callsign VIR3N operated by an [[Airbus A330|Airbus A330-343]] (G-VWAG) was bound for [[New York City|New York's]] [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|John F. Kennedy Airport]] from [[Heathrow Airport|London Heathrow Airport]] when it was forced to turn around over [[Ireland]] approximately 35 minutes after takeoff. This was due to a rostering error leading to the [[First officer (aviation)|First Officer]] operating the flight before they had fully completed their company training. The [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|CAA]] confirmed that the First Officer in question is a fully qualified pilot and no risk to safety or wrongdoing took place. Virgin confirmed it was an internal training incident and swiftly replaced the first officer to allow the flight to resume shortly after.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2022 |title=Plane returns to Heathrow after pilot roster error |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-61332456 |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Virgin Atlantic flight forced to turn around as pilot 'did not have designated trainer status' |url=https://news.sky.com/story/virgin-atlantic-flight-forced-to-turn-around-as-pilot-did-not-have-designated-trainer-status-12605587 |access-date=5 May 2022 |website=Sky News}}</ref>
* On 6 April 2024, there was a ground collision involving a [[British Airways]] plane with 121 passengers on board and a Boeing 787 plane. Heathrow said there were no injuries and no delays but both aircraft suffered wing damage.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2024 |title=Heathrow: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic planes in minor collision |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-68749072 |access-date=21 April 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|Companies|West Sussex}}
* [[Air transport in the United Kingdom]]
* [[List of airlines in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Transport in the United Kingdom]]
{{Clear}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* Gregory, Martyn. ''Dirty Tricks: British Airways' Secret War Against Virgin Atlantic''. New York: Virgin, 2000. {{ISBN|0-7535-0458-8}}
* Bower, Tom. ''Branson''. UK: Fourth Estate, 2001 {{ISBN|1-84115-400-8}}
* Branson, Richard. ''Losing my Virginity – The Autobiography''. London: Virgin Books Ltd, 2006 [2nd reprint] {{ISBN|0-7535-1020-0}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline|Virgin Atlantic}}
*{{Official website|https://www.virginatlantic.com}}

{{Virgin Group}}
{{SkyTeam}}
{{Airlines of the United Kingdom}}
{{IATA members|europe}}
{{Authority control}}

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