Virgin Atlantic announced today a new US travel agent incentive scheme
that will replace standard agency commissions, with effect from January 5,
2004. The new incentive program, based on a flat fee structure, will
continue to compensate those agencies that choose to partner with Virgin
Atlantic. The airline`s standard commission will move to zero from its
current percentage based levels.
Chris Rossi, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North America,
commented:
“As part of our distribution strategy to rationalize costs and to remain
fiscally responsible the airline has decided to restructure the existing travel agency commission program. Virgin Atlantic recognizes the vital role played by the travel agency community and will continue to
compensate travel agencies that choose to partner with Virgin Atlantic by
offering a special incentive program based upon agreed targets. All
agencies, regardless of revenue and size, are encouraged to partner with
us.
“To communicate details of the new agency commission program, as well as
provide information on our products and services, we are launching a
travel agent Web site on January 4, 2004 - virginatlantic.com/backstage.Virginatlantic.com/backstage will give agents a `VIP, behind-the-scenes`
look at what`s happening at Virgin Atlantic. It will keep agents abreast
of our newest products and services, the latest consumer promotions and
special offers, as well as other practical information.

“We firmly believe that one of the best ways to work with travel agencies is to help them sell the value of travelling on Virgin Atlantic to their
clients. By providing great products and services, and keeping them
informed of the newest product developments and latest consumer
promotions, agents will be armed with the necessary tools to sell Virgin
Atlantic effectively.”

Virgin Atlantic is Britain`s second largest long-haul carrier, offering
non-stop flights to 22 destinations in 5 continents. The airline flies
from the following US cities to London: Boston, New York (JFK and Newark),
Washington DC, Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Details of the new incentive scheme will be available on January 5, 2004
at virginatlantic.com/backstage. For consideration in the incentive
program agencies will be required to meet specific agreed targets.

Virgin Vacations, the tour operator for the airline, will also be going to
a zero-based standard commission structure effective February 1, 2004.
Virgin Vacations will not be participating in the airline`s agent
incentive program, however, they will continue to offer value and
extremely competitive rates.
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