About Virgin Atlantic

The 1980's
Virgin Atlantic was founded in 1984 by Richard Branson, owner of Virgin Records. In 1984 Branson announced to his board and the world that he would create Virgin Atlantic as a high quality, value for the money airline. By the end of the decade, Virgin Atlantic had flown over 1 million passengers and began offering new services such as individual TV's to their business class passengers.

The 1990's
In 1992 Richard Branson sold Virgin Music, to Thorn EMI and re-invested the money into Virgin Atlantic. Also in 1992, Virgin Atlantic launched their award winning Premium Economy Service. The rest of the 90's were spent buying new planes and expanding routes. In 1999 Branson sold a 49% stake in the Airline to Singapore Airlines valuing Virgin Atlantic at £1.225bn. It was also in this year that Richard Branson received his knighthood for services to entrepreneurship.

The 2000's
Virgin Atlantic continues to grow and receive awards. In 2001 Virgin Atlantic was voted OAG Airline on the Year, In 2003 Virgin Atlantic launched the Upper Class Suite giving upper class passengers the longest flat bed flying and a great nights sleep. In 2004 Virgin Atlantic unveiled the Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer in which Steve Fossett completed the first non-stop solo flight around the world. In 2006, Virgin Atlantic was awarded the Best Airline for Groups at the Group Leisure Industry Awards as voted by readers of Group Leasure Magazine. Also in 2006, Virgin Atlantic was awarded the top business class for transatlantic flights by Conde Nast Traveler. In 2007 Virgin Atlantic won Business Airline of the Year from Travel Trade Gazzette. Finally in 2007, Business Traveller awarded Virgin Atlantic the Best Business Class Airline and Best Premium Economy Awards. In 2008 Travel Magazine rated Virgin Atlantic the Best Long-Haul Airline. Also in 2008, Virgin Atlantic won 6 awards at the British Travel Awards, including Airline of the Year.

Virgin Atlantic now offers 30 destinations world wide.