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.

Virgin Atlantic launches second Washington service

Virgin Atlantic will be operating a second daily service to Washington from London Heathrow from April 20.

The carrier will provide the service to Washington Dulles International Airport until October 25, complementing the airline's existing daily service, which was launched in June 1996.

The flights will be served by an Airbus A340 aircraft, which all include an Upper Class suite.

Steve Ridgway, chief executive of the airline, said: "Virgin Atlantic is pleased to announce this additional service offering our passengers more choice and flexibility to Washington this summer.

Virgin Atlantic offers sale fares to Nairobi

Book by 10pm on Monday, March 31: Virgin Atlantic is offering sale return fares from London Heathrow to Nairobi. Fares start at £390, including taxes, charges and surcharges.

Fly Economy from Heathrow to Nairobi:
From £390 (for travel by March 31)
From £394 (for travel between April 1 and May 31)

Fly Premium Economy from Heathrow to Nairobi:
From £730 (for travel by March 31)
From £734 (for travel between April 1 and May 31)

Virgin considers new London to India links

Virgin Atlantic president Sir Richard Branson has admitted that the airline is considering expanding its operations between London and India.

Sir Richard told The Hindu that, following a recent trip to the Indian state of Kerala, there was a possibility that a new route could be launched between London and a city in the area.

However, he refused to commit to exact plans and locations for increasing the airline's presence in India.

Virgin warns that Open Skies may not reduce fares

Virgin Atlantic has warned that the imminent EU-US Open Skies agreement will not lead to a significant reduction in fares on routes between the UK and US.

The airline has claimed that the difficulty of obtaining slots at Heathrow Airport will prevent any significant change in the situation at the hub, while current economy fares were already as low as possible.

However, the airline's chief operating officer, Lyell Strambi, argued that airlines that were able to invest in their airport operations, speeding up check-in and security processes, would have the best chance of being successful at Heathrow.

Virgin to reward online check-in

Virgin Atlantic has revealed details of a new initiative that aims to encourage its passengers to check-in online.

Passengers travelling from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester between August 1 and September 30 who chose to use the airline's web-based check-in will be given the chance to print off a discount voucher.

The voucher offers £6 off for every £30 spent on Virgin's in-flight Retail Therapy shopping service, with passengers also receiving discounts and vouchers for use at a number of duty free retailers within Heathrow's Terminal 3 and Gatwick's South Terminal.

Virgin boss backs Heathrow expansion

Sir Richard Branson, the president of Virgin Atlantic, has called for the plans for a further expansion of London Heathrow Airport, to be given the go-ahead.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's (February 27) end of the public consultation on the proposals, Sir Richard claimed that increasing the airport's capacity was essential to maintain London's position as a centre for global finance and business.

He advocated the building of a third runway at the hub as the only means for it to compete with other European airports, such as Frankfurt, which are introducing similar changes.

Virgin trials biofuel flight

Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that it has successfully completed the world's first ever flight by a commercial aircraft to be powered by biofuel.

The airline flew one of its Boeing 747s from London Heathrow to Amsterdam yesterday (February 24), with the fuel created from a mix of coconut oil and babassu oil.

Virgin Atlantic president, Sir Richard Branson, claimed that the advent of the flight represented a major step forward in the aviation industry's attempts to reduce its carbon emissions.

Bond takes to the skies with Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is to welcome back James Bond as the airline has announced it will launch a series of promotional and marketing initiatives connected with the new film Quantum of Solace, starring Daniel Craig as 007.

Set for release on November 7 it rekindles an alliance between Virgin Atlantic and James Bond first seen in Casino Royale, when Daniel Craig made his first appearance as 007.

The film became the most successful in the James Bond franchise, with record-breaking box office sales.

Virgin to operate biofuel demonstration

Virgin Atlantic is to operate a demonstration flight using biofuel next month.

A Virgin Boeing 747 will fly between London Heathrow and Amsterdam using biofuel, as part of an initiative by some airlines and Boeing to find new sustainable fuel sources for aircraft.

The fuel used does not compete with food and fresh water resources, the airline points out. There will be no passengers on board the flight.

Virgin improves passenger experience

Virgin has been rewarded for the service it offers to business class passengers checking in at its new Upper Class Wing, at London Heathrow Airport, with a top magazine award.

The airline's new operation, which opened last November, has been awarded the Fastest Airport Check-In accolade by the Wallpaper Awards.

Passengers using the check-in benefit from a dedicated security channel to speed their access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, and the magazine's travel editor, Sara Henrichs, praised the airline's efforts to improve its passengers' experience.

Virgin Atlantic strike called off

The strike by Virgin Atlantic workers that was planned for January 9, 10, 16 and 17 has been called off.

In news that will come as a great relief to those with tickets booked for those dates, the Unite union called off the industrial action after a resolution was reached.

"We are pleased that both sides have managed to avert strike action that was planned for this week and next. The outcome is a triumph of common sense and means that our passengers need not worry about getting to their destinations," said Virgin Atlantic chairman Sir Richard Branson.