Virgin Atlantic Airways celebrated the huge public interest in the current Ashes series between England and Australia by offering special promotional fares based on the performance of England’s hero Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff.

The promotion will be based on the total number of runs scored by Flintoff in the series. That number will form the discount given to Virgin Atlantic’s current fare of £742 to Australia and will be made available to the same number of callers to Virgin Atlantic’s reservations number on a ‘first come, first served basis’ from Tuesday 13 September from 9am.

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, commented:

“Not to be outdone by BA we’ve come up with an even better offer. BA’s ticket promotion could be scuppered by a strong showing by the Aussies.  By backing man of the series Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff we are guaranteeing that hundreds of people will celebrate his success with unbeatable deals to Sydney.

“Virgin Atlantic’s current fare to Sydney is £742 including tax and to date Flintoff has scored 322 runs this series.”

Virgin Atlantic today also welcomed the MCC announcement that it will be transporting the Ashes Urn to Australia so that it can be exhibited during the next Test series between England and Australia in 2006-2007.  The tiny, delicate and irreplaceable urn has been displayed between Australia on only one previous occasion in 1988.

Sir Richard Branson added:

“In addition one lucky couple who take up the Freddie Fare offer will be given the chance to fly with Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Blue to accompany the Ashes of its tour of Australia in 2006. “
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