Virgin Reduces Fuel Surcharges

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, today announced that it would be reducing its passenger fuel charges with effect from midnight tomorrow evening (Wednesday 15th October 2008).

The reduction follows the recent, sustained decrease in the price of crude oil.

The charges will be cut by up to £13 per sector depending on the destination and class of cabin. Economy passengers will pay £10 less on shorter sectors and £13 less on longer sectors; Premium Economy passengers will pay £5 less on shorter sectors and £6.50 less on longer sectors.

The new fuel charges will be:

Economy Premium Economy Upper Class  
Shorter sectors £68  £83 £98
Longer sectors  £96  £114.50  £133

Longer sectors are London to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Beijing Tokyo, Shanghai, Sydney, Mauritius, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Hong Kong.

Official Press release (abridged) Virgin Atlantic dated 14 October 2008.

Virgin No Way BA/AA Campaign

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, today unveiled a new consumer website to help passengers say no way to BA/AA’s planned anti-competitive alliance.

The website, www.virginatlantic.com/monstermonopoly, enables consumers to find out why BA and AA plan to create a monster monopoly on key routes between London Heathrow and the US. Highlights of the website include:

• The five myths about the effective merger of BA and AA
• Why it’s a monster monopoly that consumers can’t afford?
• How BA and AA would control nearly half of London Heathrow?
• Why BA is already bigger than other alliances at Heathrow?

The website will be updated on a regular basis with new information that shows consumers how they would be damaged by the BA/AA monopoly.

The new phase of the No Way BA/AA campaign also features newspaper adverts in the UK and the US. The adverts will prove how dominant BA/AA would be and how consumers will lose out.

BA/AA would have a monopoly or be dominant on many of the routes between the US and Heathrow. BA/AA would control 63% of the capacity between JFK New York and Heathrow; 66% between Chicago and Heathrow; 79% between Boston and Heathrow; 75% between Miami and Heathrow; and 100% between Dallas Fort Worth and Heathrow.

Official Press release (abridged) Virgin Atlantic dated 07 October 2008.

Virgin Caribbean Ten Years

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, this month celebrates its 10th anniversary of flying to the Caribbean. To celebrate this milestone anniversary Virgin Atlantic is sponsoring a 10 day music Festival in Barbados from 30 October which will include 10 bands from the UK playing in various venues on the island for 10 nights.

Virgin Atlantic began operating services to the Caribbean in September 1998 with direct flights to Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua from London Gatwick. Since then, the airline launched weekly services to Grenada and Tobago in 2003, and a twice weekly service to Havana, Cuba in 2005. In 2006, the airline then launched direct services between Gatwick and Montego Bay, Jamaica and services to Kingston, Jamaica were added in October 2007.

Flights to the Caribbean proved so popular that a weekly service from Manchester to Barbados was added in November 2005 and direct services to St Lucia from Manchester were added in November 2006.

Virgin Atlantic is the largest non-stop scheduled carrier between the UK and the Caribbean, operating 117% more capacity than British Airways to the region.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic said:

“Since we started flying to the Caribbean in 1998, we have carried over four million British holidaymakers who love the combined appeal of the beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine the Caribbean has to offer. The Caribbean is an important market for us and we are now the biggest operator to the region having added more Caribbean destinations, flying from Gatwick and Manchester to eight destinations on seven islands.

Julia Hendry, Marketing Director, Caribbean Tourism Organisation said:

“Caribbean tourism has always been dependant on its airline partners and the visitors they bring in from all parts of the UK to experience the region’s diversity and many attractions. As such, we are delighted at the volume of holidaymakers and the regular and high quality service that they have been able to enjoy thanks to Virgin Atlantic over the past decade.”

“As one of the world’s most tourism dependant regions, we’re grateful that Virgin Atlantic has been able to offer a wide range of schedule services. I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, to thank Virgin Atlantic for its support over the years, not only for its service to the region but in assisting us to raise the profile of the Caribbean we look forward to continuing this relationship for many years to come.”

Official Press release (abridged) Virgin Atlantic dated 29 September 2008.

Virgin James Bond’s Airline

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, has unveiled its campaign to promote its partnership with Quantum of Solace, the James Bond adventure in cinemas in the UK from 31st October.

In the film, James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, flies Upper Class across the Atlantic. It’s the second time that Virgin Atlantic has appeared in a Bond movie, after its successful partnership with Casino Royale, which became the most successful in the James Bond franchise.

Virgin Atlantic will be promoting its partnership via Upper Class and Economy service advertising in print, poster sites (outdoor), online and through incentives with the travel trade. The airline will also be showing behind-the-scenes footage on its in-flight entertainment system onboard each flight.

The economy advertising promotes Virgin Atlantic’s latest fares with the theme “You Only Live Once,” highlighting the fact that, if we’re going to fly abroad, there’s only one airline to choose. The Upper Class advertising focuses on the airline’s “Fastly Superior” check-in and security channel for business passengers at Heathrow Terminal 3’s new Upper Class Wing.

Paul Dickinson, Sales and Marketing Director for Virgin Atlantic, said:

“As you only live once, Virgin Atlantic is the airline to fly with. Being James Bond’s favourite airline means we have to live up to his desire to travel in style. Our new campaign will highlight our great range of fares and superior product offering compared to other airlines. We’re delighted to be part of Quantum of Solace.”

Daniel Craig reprises his role as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in Quantum of Solace, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures release of EON Productions’ 22nd adventure in the longest-running film franchise in motion picture history. The film is directed by Marc Forster. The screenplay is by Paul Haggis and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli produce.

Official Press release (abridged) Virgin Atlantic dated 30 September 2008.

Virgin Display Ryder Cup

Virgin Atlantic, the official airline of the European Ryder Cup Team, is once again proud to be displaying the Ryder Cup in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow. The Ryder Cup was displayed in the lounge four years ago prior to the 2004 Ryder Cup and Virgin’s Upper Class passengers were very excited to be able to see this rare and historic piece of sporting history on display.

Captain Nick Faldo and his team will fly on a special Virgin Atlantic flight direct from London Heathrow to Louisville International Airport on 15 September 2008. The European team will fly onboard a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600 to ensure that they arrive in best possible shape to contest the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky, USA from 19 to 21 September 2008.

Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic Airways, said:

“Virgin Atlantic is really excited to have the Ryder Cup on display again in the Clubhouse at Heathrow. This is the second time that Virgin Atlantic has been chosen to carry the team, with the Ryder Cup and everyone at the airline wishes Nick Faldo and his colleagues the best of luck for the competition. I am sure they can do Europe proud and win again.”

The Team will enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning Upper Class Suite, which includes the longest fully-flat bed in business class, and in-flight entertainment facilities. The team will also speed through the airline’s new Upper Class Wing at Heathrow’s Terminal 3, with its private security channel, before being pampered in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. Before take-off, the players can enjoy a massage or haircut in the Cowshed Salon, or play pool and enjoy the Deli bar.

Richard Hills, European Ryder Cup Director, said:

“We are delighted that one of the world’s biggest brands is again part of one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Virgin Atlantic’s excellent service will be a huge benefit to the European Team and Official Party which is sure to help make the 2008 Ryder Cup another great success.”

Official Press release (abridged) Virgin Atlantic dated 01 September 2008.

Virgin Welcome Commission Investigation

Virgin Atlantic today welcomed the announcement by the European commission that it is to open an investigation into the proposed BA/American Airlines alliance with Iberia. BA and AA recently applied for permission to fix prices and schedules on routes across the Atlantic

Steve Ridgway chief executive of Virgin Atlantic said:

“The European Commission have rightly begun an investigation, under their own initiative, because they understand that consumers will be worse off if this alliance proceeds. The proposals would create a monster monopoly, which would mean that BA/AA and Iberia would be way too dominant on key routes into and out of Heathrow airport.

“The European Commission will also be aware that the fragile state of the European economy is no excuse for BA/AA to be given the go ahead, as we all know that monopolies never work in the consumers favor, in good times or bad.”

BA/AA and Iberia would control nearly half of all slots at London Heathrow and would operate between 63% and 80% of all flights between Heathrow and key cities in the US, such as JFK, Chicago, Boston and Miami.

Official Press release (abridged) Virgin Atlantic dated 29 August 2008.

Virgin Warn on Alliance

Virgin Atlantic today warned that BA’s third attempt to tie-up with American Airlines would create a monster monopoly that would push up ticket prices and substantially reduce competition on the busiest air corridor in the world.

BA announced earlier that the three airlines - BA, AA and Iberia - would apply for permission from regulators in Europe and the US to fix prices and capacity on transatlantic routes, activities which would otherwise be illegal.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, commented:

“Make no mistake - if this monster monopoly is approved it will be third time unlucky for consumers. It will still be bad for passengers, bad for competition, and bad for the UK and US aviation industry

“BA argues that the aviation landscape has changed since their last failed application - I disagree, nothing has changed. Open Skies has not delivered the greater competition that was promised because Heathrow is full. BA/AA and Iberia would still be unacceptably dominant, with nearly half of all of the slots at Heathrow, leaving competitors powerless to take them on.

“The current economic slowdown is also no justification for agreeing to this alliance. The job of the regulators is to assess the long-term impact of the alliance on competition, not to provide special protection from the immediate challenges of the economic cycle, with which every other airline has to deal.

“We are not against consolidation but this alliance is on a scale never seen before. BA/AA with Iberia won’t create fair play - so we say no way BA/AA.”

Virgin Atlantic set out its specific concerns:

BA/AA will form a dominant force in transatlantic markets, with nearly 60% of all Heathrow - US frequencies. In 2007 62% of passengers traveling between Heathrow and the US travelled on BA or AA, according to the US Department of Transport. Existing competitors will struggle to compete and new entrants will be deterred.

BA/AA will have 63% of capacity between Heathrow and New York JFK, 79% between Heathrow and Boston and 75% between Heathrow and Miami. The alliance would have dominant market shares on other Heathrow routes, 66% to Chicago and 49% to Los Angeles, and would create a pure monopoly on the route from Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth. In each case customer choice is drastically reduced or eliminated and higher fares will follow.

BA and AA have over 200,000 slots a year at London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic has 17,000. Heathrow is full and no other carrier can replicate BA/AA’s network. BA/AA won’t face enough competition on its huge network to stop it raising prices to consumers.
 
Official Press release (abridged) Virgin Atlantic dated 14 August 2008.

Virgin Atlantic Increase Hong Kong Flights

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, is to increase its frequency between London Heathrow and Hong Kong from daily to twice a day. The extra services will lead to the creation of 100 new cabin crew roles.
The new, second service on a A340-600 will boost the number of seats available on the booming Heathrow-Hong Kong route and open up fresh opportunities for those passengers wishing to connect to other cities in China, or the wider Far East. It will also provide greater flexibility for stopovers, for those passengers wanting to break their journey if travelling to or from Sydney. 
From 28 October 2008, flight VS238 will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and then operate daily from 4 December 2008. VS238 will depart London Heathrow Terminal 3 at 16.00, arriving in Hong Kong at 12.30pm the following afternoon.
Flight VS239 will operate between Hong Kong and London Heathrow on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 29 October 2008, and then operate daily from 5 December 2008. VS239 will depart Hong Kong at 14.15, arriving at London Heathrow at 19.20 the same day. 
Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, said:
“East is the new West and this second daily service will offer our passengers even more opportunities via Hong Kong, which is the third busiest long-haul route out of Heathrow after New York’s JFK and Dubai. Virgin Atlantic, which is highly committed to the city and the Pearl River Delta, has flown well over 2 million passengers on this route since we started flying in 1994 and it remains one of our most popular services. We offer a big thankyou to the Hong Kong Airport authorities for helping to make this extra service a reality.”
The second service will complement Virgin Atlantic’s existing daily service, which connects London Heathrow with Hong Kong and Sydney. Flight VS200 leaves Heathrow daily at 22.30, arriving in Hong Kong at 17.50 the following day, before then departing Hong Kong at 19.20 and arriving in Sydney at 06.35 the following day. Flight VS201 leaves Sydney at 14.25, arriving in Hong Kong at 21.55. It then departs Hong Kong at  23.25 before arriving at London Heathrow at 05.25 the following morning. 
Virgin Atlantic currently flies to 30 destinations worldwide from its award-winning new Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport, and from the South Terminal at London’s Gatwick Airport. Destinations include Shanghai, Nairobi, Dubai, Mumbai, Delhi, Lagos, Tokyo, New York JFK and Newark, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, Miami, Sydney, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Barbados, Antigua, Havana and Kingston.

Official Press Release Virgin Atlantic dated 10th June 2008.

Virgin Atlantic Economy Passengers to Pay Less Fuel Charges Than Business Class

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, today became the first airline to announce that Economy class passengers will pay lower fuel charges than those travelling in premium cabins.

For the first time, the fuel charges will rise by different amounts to reflect the higher amounts of fuel burned per passenger, and greater baggage allowances, in Premium Economy and Upper Class cabins.

Oil prices remain at historic highs, recently touching $135 per barrel, leading to higher prices for items such as electricity, gas, and petrol at the pump.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, said:
 
“With jet fuel prices now at levels that challenge the very nature and structure of the entire airline industry, we have decided to levy fuel charges depending on where you sit in the plane. Our Upper Class and Premium Economy passengers benefit from considerably more space on our aircraft and larger baggage allowances than our Economy passengers, so our aircraft burn more fuel to carry them. We believe that Economy passengers should pay lower fuel charges than passengers in our two premium cabins as their carbon footprint is around half of those seated towards the front of the plane.”

With effect from Friday 30th May, fuel charges per sector applicable to all new bookings on Virgin Atlantic sold in the UK will increase as follows:
 
Economy - £2.50 on shorter sectors (to £65.50) and £4.50 on longer sectors (to £83.50)

Premium Economy - £12.50 on shorter sectors (to £75.50) and £16.50 (to £95.50) on longer sectors

Upper Class - £22.50 on shorter sectors (to £85.50) and £28.50 (to £107.50) on longer sectors

Longer sectors are London to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Shanghai, Sydney, Mauritius, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Hong Kong.

Official Press Release Virgin Atlantic dated 28th May 2008.

Virgin Atlantic Support 2012 Olympic Bid

International airline Virgin Atlantic has become an official sponsor of the London 2012 Olympics.
Virgin Atlantic are due to put together a £1 million campaign to help support the bid for the 2012 Olympics including posters, press releases, decals on the sides of aircrafts and airline promotions.
Virgin Atlantic has identified how important it is for everyone to get involved in such a huge sporting event and opportunity. The airline has offered support to help build a successful campaign and have proven that they can work together with other companies including rival airline British Airways to build a team worthy of hosting the Olympics.