Virgin Atlantic is the second largest long haul airline in the UK and the third largest European carrier over the North Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic’s route network has grown rapidly to include destinations in the US, Caribbean, Far East, India, Australia and Africa, and Virgin Atlantic have won virtually every award the industry has to offer.

Virgin Atlantic In The Eighties

Back in the early 80’s Richard Branson was probably best know for Virgin Records - the legendary record label that signed major names like the Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson and The Human League. In 1984, much to the horror of his directors, Richard announced to the world that a high quality, value for money airline would begin operating within three months. Three months, some licences, staff and an aircraft packed with celebrities later, Virgin Atlantic Airways was born. By the end of the decade we had flown over 1 million passengers and started shaking up services onboard by being the first airline to offer individual TVs to their business class passengers.

Virgin Atlantic In The Nineties

In 1992 Richard sold Virgin Music to Thorn EMI and invested the proceeds into Virgin Atlantic, improving on an already great service. In the same year Virgin Atlantic launched the first super economy service that went on to become Virgin Atlantic’s award winning Premium Economy. Virgin Atlantic spent most of the Nineties buying new planes, expanding Virgin Atlantic’s route network and generally breaking new ground in passenger service, both on the ground and in the air. In 1999 Richard sold a 49% stake in the company to Singapore Airlines valuing Virgin Atlantic at a minimum of £1.225bn. In the same year, for services to entrepreneurship Richard received a knighthood.

Virgin Atlantic In The Naughties

The decade is still young and Virgin Atlantic have already grown and now offer regular services to 25 destinations worldwide. In 2001 Virgin Atlantic were voted OAG Airline of the Year. In 2002 Virgin Atlantic were the launch customer for the Airbus A340-600. In 2003 the launch of the Upper Class Suite gave Upper Class passengers the longest flat bed flying and a great nights sleep. In 2004 Virgin Atlantic unveiled the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, in which Steve Fossett will attempt the first non-stop solo circumnavigation of the world.

Virgin Atlantic – Online Shopping Security

Virgin Atlantic use the latest SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology, which ensures that any communications between your computer and ourselves is unreadable by anyone else. Your details are communicated in a secure encrypted format and Virgin Atlantic can check that the information has not been tampered with in any way.

Most browsers have some type of indicator to let you know if you have established a secure connection. If you are not sure, then consult the help section of your browser. If your browser does not support SSL technology then Virgin Atlantic recommend that you update to the latest version.