London, Thursday, April 29, 1999: The Advertising Standards Authority has rejected a bid by Virgin Atlantic to prevent British Airways from using the phrase “The World’s Favourite Airline” in its advertising.

Martin George, British Airways’ Director of Marketing, said: “We have received a letter from the Advertising Standards Authority confirming that the Virgin Atlantic complaint has not been upheld. We are delighted that the ASA has confirmed what our passengers tell us every day - that we are the World’s Favourite Airline.”

The airline introduced the phrase in 1983. It is based on International Air Transport Association passenger figures which show that more people from more places around the world choose to fly with British Airways.

This is the fourth time the ASA has rejected a move to prevent British Airways from using the phrase since 1991.

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