note

Founded by rock producer Richard Branson as part of Virgin Group (record label and stores) and lawyer Randolph Fields who conceived the airline as British Atlantic Airways and was eventually bought out by Branson. Flights commenced on June 22 1984 from Gatwick to Newark with a leased 747-200. Airline now operates long-haul scheduled passanger flights from England to North America, Far East and Africa from its bases at Gatwich and Heathrow. In direct competition with British Airways. In August 2002, Virgin Atlantic introduced Airbus A340-600 to service, all withdrawn by 2020 all 747-400s withdrawn by end Mar 2020

founded - demised (age)

1984 - present  (41years)

headquarters

Ashdown House, High St., Crawley, West Sussex

web

www.virginatlantic.com

base airports

EGLL Heathrow London	hub
EGKK Gatwick London	Base closed May 2020
EGPF Abbotsinch Glasgow	hub
EGCC Ringway International Manchester	hub

related operators

Singapore Airlines	ex - 49% owner (1999-2012)
Virgin Express	sister co. closed 2006
Virgin America	Bought by AS 2018
Virgin Nigeria	sister co. Closed 2009
Virgin Blue Airlines	sister co. Closed 2011
Virgin Sun	sister co. Closed 2001
AirAsia X	stake 16%
Delta Air Lines	New 49% stake 2012
Virgin Atlantic Little Red	lowcost subsidiary closed 2015