Virgin introduces direct flights to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has long been a favourite holiday destination among US travellers, and less popular with UK travellers simply because there were no direct flights on offer - until now. Virgin Atlantic has just introduced a new weekly direct flight from London to Puerto Rico.

The new service will begin on Saturday November 7 on Virgin’s Boeing 747-400 from London Gatwick direct to the country’s capital San Juan.

Although the capital is rich in history and stunning colonial architecture, most people coming off San Juan flights use it as a base to explore other parts of the country including the the coastal town of Guánica and the Caribbean National Forest, El Yunque.

Virgin tackles fear of flying with iPhone app

Holidaymakers whose travel plans are disrupted by fear of flying may now be able to overcome their anxiety with a handy iPhone app from Virgin Atlantic.

The Flying Without Fear app is based on Virgin's popular seminars of the same name, which have helped thousands of people overcome their anxieties.

Virgin Atlantic hailed as 'coolest travel brand'

Sir Richard Branson will have a swagger in his step this morning after Virgin Atlantic became the only travel firm to make it into the 2009/10 CoolBrands Top 20 list.

Some 2,458 members of the public were asked to select the winners of the competition, which assesses brands for their style, innovation, originality and desirability.

Virgin Atlantic to offer visas via its website

Virgin Atlantic customers can now organise travel documents for most destinations at the same time as they book their flights, thanks to a new partnership.

The airline has teamed up with CIBT, the largest provider of visa and passport services, to enable passengers to secure travel documents through VirginAtlantic.com.

Virgin Atlantic latest to cut baggage allowance

Virgin Atlantic has become the latest in a long line of airlines to reduce its baggage allowance.

From November 25, the transatlantic carrier will replace its checked luggage policy with a simpler but less generous allowance of one bag per passenger per flight.

The new economy-class rule will apply to almost all services with the airline, which previously permitted up to two items of checked luggage for several destinations.

Virgin entices fliers with John Lewis vouchers

Virgin Atlantic is hoping to win over new leisure and business travellers by giving away vouchers for John Lewis stores to customers who book fully-flexible flights.

The transatlantic airline is shelling out £200 to people who book a return flight in Upper Class, while Premium Economy fliers will get £100 and Economy passengers £50.

Virgin Atlantic teams up with Eurostar

Virgin Atlantic has entered into a new partnership with Eurostar (website: www.eurostar.com) which will allow customers to book onward connections to mainland Europe.

Passengers booking a flight to London Heathrow now have the option of reserving a seat on a high-speed train to continental Europe as part of their transaction.

Sir Richard Branson in plea to President Obama

Sir Richard Branson has taken his fight against the proposed tie-up between British Airways and American Airlines to the very top of the US government.

The Virgin Atlantic founder has written to President Barack Obama, warning him that "now, more than ever, consumers are counting on you to put their interest first".

His letter has provoked an outcry from critics, however, who note that subsidiary airline Virgin Blue is busy lobbying regulators to approve a merger of its own.

Branson: Let inefficient airlines die peacefully

Sir Richard Branson, founder and chairman of Virgin Atlantic, has said that inefficient airlines which continue to lose money "should be allowed to die peacefully".

The entrepreneur made his comments during an interview with Reuters, in which he also renewed his opposition to "anti-competitive" mergers between rival airlines.

"I'm not sure that carriers merging is actually a good idea," he told the news agency. "I think that, generally speaking, carriers should get on and compete with each other."

Compensation for 211,000 BA, Virgin customers

More than 211,000 customers of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have applied for refunds in the wake of the carriers' fuel surcharge price-fixing scandal.

Some 170,000 of the claims were filed by UK-based passengers, newly released figures show, but they form just a fraction of the millions eligible for partial refunds.

Virgin Atlantic calls on customers to oppose APD

Virgin Atlantic is raising the bar in the campaign against Air Passenger Duty (APD) by emblazoning its e-tickets with criticism of the controversial tax.

The airline is being backed by industry groups and passenger watchdogs – all of whom say Whitehall views the levy as little more than a cash cow.

Virgin Atlantic scales back winter services

Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that it will be cutting capacity by seven per cent this winter, axing all flights to Chicago and scaling back its Hong Kong service.

The airline also issued a warning that up to 600 jobs could go if passenger demand fails to pick up, with CEO Steve Ridgway saying the outlook is "as bleak as ever".

Its gloomy forecast contrasts with high spirits in the Virgin camp last month, when airline bosses placed an order for ten Airbus A330s and announced profits of £68.4 million.

Virgin Atlantic unveils vtravelled social site

Virgin Atlantic has launched a new social media site, vtravelled.com, which enables globetrotters to organise and share their travel itineraries.

The polished site has a strong emphasis on visuals, with travellers being encouraged to upload their own photos as well as write about their experiences.

Virgin marks 25 years with aircraft orders

Virgin 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.

Virgin Atlantic tops customers satisfaction poll

Virgin Atlantic has come up trumps in a customer satisfaction poll, just one week after it defied the economic downturn by posting a leap in annual profits.

The UK's major airlines were ascribed a score of 0-100 in the first National Customer Satisfaction Index (NCSI), with Virgin achieving an enviable rating of 75.

Branson renews pledge on climate change

Sir Richard Branson, the chairman of Virgin Atlantic, has urged governments and airlines to work more closely in tackling the problem of climate change.

Speaking in Japan on the 20th anniversary of Virgin's London to Tokyo route, Sir Richard said that he understood that "there is a price to pay as an airline".

But he also urged heads of state to act more decisively, echoing a recent call by Giovanni Bisignani of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Virgin adds winter flights to Puerto Rico

Virgin Atlantic is expanding its Caribbean route network by opening up a new connection between London Gatwick Airport and Puerto Rico.

The airline will be operating a weekly link to the tiny Caribbean island this winter, with services running from November 7, 2009, to April 24, 2010.

Virgin signs codeshare agreement with Jet Airways

Virgin Atlantic is entering into a new codeshare agreement with the Indian carrier Jet Airways on flights to Mumbai, it has been confirmed.

The agreement will allow Virgin customers to book seats on a double daily service operated by Jet Airways from London Heathrow to India's financial capital.

Virgin targets European expansion

Virgin Atlantic may expand its services in key European markets over the next couple of years.

That is according to the British airline's director of communications, Paul Charles, who has claimed that a short haul network throughout Europe would be the "obvious" next step in the carrier's expansion.

Virgin drops Mumbai route

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will cease operations from London Heathrow Airport to Mumbai.

The transatlantic carrier will fly its last service to the Indian city on May 2, 2009, with the return journey arriving back in the UK's largest airport on May 3.

Citing a fall in passenger demand and "irrational pricing" by its rivals, Virgin revealed that passenger numbers on the route declined by 18 per cent between January and November 2008.

SAA and Virgin announce codeshare deal

Virgin Atlantic has announced the extension of a codeshare agreement with South African Airlines (SAA), which will offer its passengers more flight flexibility and choice.

The deal will enable travellers booking with SAA to travel on Virgin Atlantic schedules between London Heathrow Airport and Cape Town, while also allowing Virgin customers to connect to SAA's inter-African services.

Virgin wins customer award

Virgin Atlantic has been voted as the aviation industry's leading practitioner of customer service.

The British airline, which is owned by Richard Branson, was awarded the honour by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS), beating British Airways to the title with a score of 79 out of 100.

The ICS conducted a survey of 24,000 consumers that asked respondents to rate companies on professionalism, complaint handling, as well as the friendliness, competence and quality of staff.

Virgin Nigeria cancels British routes

Virgin Nigeria has cancelled its long haul flights to Britain in the face of increasing financial constraints.

The Nigerian flag carrier has announced the suspension of services to destinations in the UK from January 27, following growing pressure from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Arik Air on many of its routes.

Virgin refuse to pay Gatwick fees

Virgin Atlantic has claimed that it will withhold paying BAA £100,000 in fees, after last week's runway closure at Gatwick Airport.

The Richard Branson-owned airline has said that it will deduct the costs it incurred as a result of BAA's closure of London Gatwick's runway, after the Spanish operator failed to de-ice it in time for morning arrivals.

As a result of this oversight, Virgin was forced to delay flights and divert seven aircraft to Luton Airport and London Stansted Airport.

Virgin places Dreamliner order

Virgin Atlantic has ordered the largest ever quantity of Boeing's flagship 787 Dreamliner.

The British airline, which currently uses 747s on the majority its services, has ordered 15,787 Dreamliners; a figure that could rise to 43 if the carrier takes full advantage of agreed purchase rights.

Virgin in talks over bmi

Virgin Atlantic is in discussions with Lufthansa about acquiring a percentage of bmi, in another reported merger in the aviation industry.

The British airline is contemplating bmi's future with the German flag carrier, in an effort to increase the company's strength as a competitor to British Airways.

Virgin implements online reservations

Virgin Atlantic has signed a deal with an IT services firm that it hopes will create a new online reservation system for its customers.

The British airline has agreed a five-year contract with EDS, which will see the firm attempt to implement, among other things, a "self-service ticket change system" - giving passengers more say in how they reserve tickets.

Virgin to increase Caribbean flights

Virgin Atlantic is increasing the frequency of its long-haul routes from UK airports to the Caribbean islands in 2009 and beyond.

The British carrier has announced that it will enlarge its schedule from Manchester Airport to Barbados to two flights a week, while the airline also plans to add one further flight from London Gatwick Airport to Montego Bay in Jamaica.

Virgin urges EU to block BA - AA merger

Virgin Atlantic has urged the European Commission to reject the planned merger between British Airways and American Airlines.

The British-owned airline has argued that this partnership between two of the world's biggest airlines would result in increased fares, adjusted schedules to keep out competitors, and the removal of feeder traffic to other carriers at London Heathrow Airport.

Virgin debates £600m plane order

Virgin Atlantic is set to place a £633 million order for 12 new planes, as fears arise that the launch of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be delayed.

The Richard Branson-owned airline is now in talks with Airbus, Boeing and a number of leasing companies over problems with the delivery of 15 Dreamliners, originally scheduled for completion in 2011.

Virgin seeks tie-up with bmi and Lufthansa

Virgin Atlantic has expressed a desire to team up with bmi and Lufthansa after the German national carrier committed to pay £318 million for the British airline.

Lufthansa now owns 80 per cent of Heathrow's second-largest carrier, (as reported by Cheapflights) and Virgin is reportedly seeking to join the partnership.

Second daily Hong Kong service from Virgin

Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that it is to begin operating a second daily service from London Heathrow to Hong Kong. From December 4, the transatlantic carrier will complement its evening service to the Asian metropolis with an earlier 4pm departure, which touches down at 12.30pm the following afternoon.

Virgin Atlantic goes trendy with NME partnership

Virgin Atlantic has signed a new deal with music magazine NME to boost its in-flight entertainment services.

The transatlantic carrier will add to its audio programme a show produced by NME Radio, that will feature the latest alternative music and is presented by afternoon host Iain Baker.

It is also enhancing its reading material, with NME reviews editor Hamish MacBain contributing one monthly critique to the Rock & Alternative Album section of Virgin's Seatback magazine.

Virgin Atlantic succumbs to pressure to cut fuel surcharge

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it is reducing its passenger fuel charges, with new lower fees taking effect from this evening (Wednesday, October 15).

The transatlantic carrier is making the move in response to falling global oil prices. It is cutting the charges by up to £13 per sector depending on the destination and class of cabin.

Once the changes have been made, rival British Airways will be left as one of the few carriers that has failed to pass on savings to its customers.

Virgin could have 'disappeared' if HBOS collapsed

Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic, has revealed that his airline could have collapsed if Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) had been allowed to go under.

The billionaire said that HBOS refused to allow the transatlantic carrier to withdraw £1 billion of its money when the financial institution was teetering close to bankruptcy last month.

Regulators subsequently authorised a bailout bid by Lloyds TSB in an effort to shield the wider economy - but had they blocked the move it appears Virgin could also have crumbled.

Virgin warns of BA/AA 'stranglehold' at Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic has warned that a proposed alliance between British Airways and American Airlines (AA) could create a transatlantic monopoly.

The carrier's opposition to the partnership is nothing new - having already launched a £3 million lobbying campaign against it - but its latest comments have ratcheted up the rhetoric even further.

Speaking at the International Aviation Club in Washington, Virgin chief executive Steve Ridgway accused the two airlines of attempting to "stitch up" the most important routes from London Heathrow.

Virgin celebrates ten years of Caribbean flights

Virgin Atlantic is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its first flight from the UK to the Caribbean.

The transatlantic carrier is marking the milestone by organising a ten-day festival of music which will run from October 30, featuring several UK bands playing in venues in Barbados.

Virgin launched its first direct service from the UK to the Caribbean in September 1998, connecting London Gatwick to St Lucia, Barbados and Antigua.

Virgin cuts Upper Class check-in time to 40 minutes

Virgin Atlantic has reduced the check-in time for Upper Class passengers at Heathrow Terminal 3 to just 40 minutes.

The upgraded system means that premium fare passengers can minimise the amount of time spent at the airport, being fast-tracked straight to their gate.

The check-in time is even quicker than at T5 and has been made possible by the airline's new private security corridor.

Virgin recycles old seats into fashion items

Virgin Atlantic has teamed up with green accessory company Worn Again in an unusual partnership that turns aircraft upholstery into apparel.

The airline is taking part in an innovative new project which involves transforming discarded materials such as old aircraft seat covers and bicycle tyres into fashion items.

The Worn Again Virgin range features several unique bags made entirely from recycled materials, including two types of handbag, a practical wash bag and a trendy 'man-bag'.

Virgin Atlantic confirms route cutbacks

Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that it is cutting back flights on several of its most popular routes this autumn.

The airline said it is scaling back services on a "small number of flights" due to seasonal variations in demand, which have affected the profitability of certain routes.

Several other carriers have made cutbacks in recent months, with rising fuel surcharges and a global economic downturn combining to dampen activity in the sector.

Virgin confirms interest in Gatwick Airport bid

Virgin Atlantic has said it is looking at joining a consortium that could submit a bid for ownership of London Gatwick Airport.

Regulator BAA may be forced to sell the site if recommendations drawn up by the Competition Commission are approved - resulting in a flurry of interest among potential bidders.

Several other airlines are also believed to be interested in joining the consortium, including low-cost carriers easyJet, Ryanair and Monarch.

Virgin Atlantic hosts in-flight film festival

Virgin Atlantic is giving its London Heathrow passengers the opportunity to enjoy an on-board film festival.

The carrier has teamed up with the National Film and Television School (NFTS) to fund nine short films developed exclusively for its in-flight entertainment system.

Passengers are being invited to vote for their favourite screening, with the three most popular shorts due to be brought before a panel of experts later this month.

Virgin adds Christmas flights to Caribbean

Virgin Atlantic is to operate five additional return flights to Montego Bay over the Christmas period.

The new winter connections will be serviced by an Airbus A340-300 and will take place on December 22, 23 and 29 2008, and then January 5 and 6, 2009.

Flights will depart from Gatwick Airport, taking off at 9.40am and arriving in Sangster International Airport at 2.40pm.

Virgin offers online check-in promotion

Virgin Atlantic is offering its passengers an incentive to use its online check-in facilities during the peak summer holiday season.

Holidaymakers flying with the airline from its bases in London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester airports will be able to claim a discount duty-free voucher until August 31.

The £10 gratuity applies to purchases of two or more fragrances from Virgin's VScents for Her and VScents for Him ranges, available in the carrier's Retail Therapy Duty Free shops.

Virgin doubles frequency of Hong Kong service

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it is doubling the frequency of its staple London Heathrow to Hong Kong service.

From October 28, a second daily flight will be added on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - departing at 4pm BST and arriving at 12.30pm local time the following day.

Return flights on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday will leave Hong Kong at 2.15pm, arriving at London Heathrow at 7.20pm the same day.

New Gatwick lounge for Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic opened a new VIP lounge, VROOM, at London Gatwick Airport over the weekend.

Unlike the traditional Virgin Clubhouse located on the other side of the airport, VROOM is primarily geared towards catering for families travelling with children.

The facility includes several 'zones' designed to preoccupy youngsters, allowing their parents to enjoy complimentary food and soft drinks as well as discounted alcoholic beverages without disturbances.

Virgin threatens to pull out of Kenya

Virgin Atlantic has signalled it will cease flying to Kenya if political violence flares up again.

The east African country was rocked by post-election riots in January as tribal groups took to the streets to protest the narrow re-election of incumbent president Mwai Kibaki.

Despite hundreds of people losing their lives in the civil unrest, Virgin Atlantic continued to fly into the country even as other airlines pulled their services.

Virgin Heathrow lounge picks up award

Virgin Atlantic has won an award for its lounge at London Heathrow Airport for the third year running.

The airline picked up the Best Clubhouse accolade from V-Flyer.co.uk, a website launched by customers of Virgin's global network of travel companies.

Passengers who took part in the survey described the lounge as a "haven away from the hustle of the main terminal," and "truly the only way to start a flight".

Virgin Atlantic pushes for 'truly Open Skies'

The Open Skies agreement between the EU and America does not go far enough to liberalise international aviation rules, Virgin Atlantic has said.

According to the carrier, negotiators working on behalf of aviation groups in the two regions must do more to "unshackle" the industry from rules which restrict foreign operations.

The EU-US Open Skies agreement, which came into effect on March 30, included key regulatory changes such as increasing the number of transatlantic carriers permitted to operate out of Heathrow.

Virgin Atlantic voted best for amenities

Virgin Atlantic has been voted the best airline for amenities, according to a new survey by SeatGuru.com.

The poll quizzed more than 1,600 global travellers about in-flight entertainment preferences, asking respondents to rank airlines according to their performance.

Virgin Atlantic secured first place for amenities and Singapore Airlines came on top for quality of airline food. All three top spots for both polls were shared by those two airlines along with British Airways.