Virgin Atlantic Airways was last night named `Best Transatlantic Airline` at the prestigious Travel Weekly Globe Awards 2002. This is the eighth time the airline has won `Best Transatlantic Airline` at the annual awards voted for by travel agents around the country.

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways, said:

“I am honoured every time we pick up another award on behalf of the airline because I know how much hard work staff have put in to make it happen. Awards like this help to put a smile on the faces of our staff worldwide.

“Over the last few months all airlines have been competing in a market place as tough as any of us have ever experienced before. This award illustrates why we are confident that by offering passengers a superior product and value for money Virgin Atlantic has come through the challenges in better shape than our rivals. Through the decisive action we took last year we are in a position to take advantage of new opportunities in the future.”

Throughout 2001 Virgin Atlantic won a raft prestigious awards including the OAG Airline of the Year award, the Business Traveller Awards for `Best Economy Class` and `Best Business Class` and Conde Nast Traveller Award for `World`s Best Long Haul Airline`. The airline also won the `Best Airline` category of the annual Ease Awards for the fifth year running.

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