Virgin marks 25 years with aircraft orders
June 23, 2009Virgin Atlantic has marked its 25th anniversary by placing what it has described as a recession-busting order for ten new Airbus A330s, worth £1.27 billion.
The airline also operated a special flight to New York yesterday as part of the commemorations, with celebrities such as Kate Moss joining Sir Richard Branson on the trip.
But the party mood did not extend to Virgin's main rival, British Airways, which is still reeling from financial woes after posting record losses of £401 million.
Speaking at London Heathrow Airport just before the commemorative flight, Sir Richard said: "I am so proud of what we have achieved in the last 25 years."
He confirmed the order for ten Airbus A330-300 jets, which will feature a major upgrade to Virgin's entertainment system by incorporating on-board email and text services.
Chief Executive Steve Ridgway added that the £1.27 billion order upholds the airline's commitment to expanding capacity, even in the midst of a recession. "Despite the worst economic conditions in decades, we are focusing on sustainable growth," he commented.
And the upbeat tone has also allowed Virgin to take a swipe at its longstanding rival, BA.
Sir Richard jangled nerves on the stock market earlier this week when he claimed that the flag carrier was "not worth much anymore," urging the government to reject any future calls for a bailout. BA responded by dismissing the speculation as "fantasy".
The spat came a week after BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh called on staff to volunteer for unpaid work - a drastic response to the £401 million losses posted last month.
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