Virgin Atlantic News
New UAE visas set to hit Canadian travellers
Canadian visitors to the United Arab Emirates face paying up to $1,000 for a visa following a diplomatic spat between the two countries. The controversial move follows a decision by the Canadian government to refuse extra landing rights at the country’s airports to two major UAE airlines.
Speculation grows over possible Virgin Atlantic merger
Virgin Atlantic has fuelled speculation it is about to announce a merger following confirmation the airline has received enquires from a number of suitors. In a statement the transatlantic airline said it has been contacted by a number of other companies since it appointed Deutsche Bank at the beginning of November to assess the aviation industry and seek growth opportunities.
“But Sir Richard Branson promised me….” Virgin Atlantic reveals unusual upgrade requests
After a recent survey of over 3000 of the airline’s cabin crew and ground staff, it is clear that some passengers will stop at nothing when looking to secure a complimentary upgrade to the Upper Class Suite.
Virgin Atlantic, BA attack APD
Bitter rivals Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have at last found a common cause, with both launching attacks on increases in Air Passenger Duty. The duty – which is collected from all passengers departing from British airports – is set to rise on Monday, as the coalition government seeks to offset a ballooning budget deficit.
Drunken brawl forces Virgin jumbo to make emergency landing
A Virgin Atlantic jumbo heading to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger allegedly had a fight onboard with his wife and father-in-law at cruising altitude. The packed Boeing 747-400 was flying direct from Orlando, Florida, to Manchester but the pilot was forced to land in Newfoundland, Canada.
Virgin Atlantic shakes up board in search of growth
Virgin Atlantic has appointed Julie Southern as chief commercial officer with Tim Livett promoted to succeed her as chief financial officer at the airline. The move comes as the transatlantic carrier seeks to focus on growth and leveraging signs of recovery.
US proposes Japan antitrust immunity
The United States department of transportation has mooted antitrust immunity for two aviation alliances offering services to Japan. The news comes on the same day British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia launched their long-awaited transatlantic tie-up.
American-BA-Iberia sign strategic alliance
American Airlines, British Airways and Spanish flag-carrier Iberia have signed a long-awaited strategic alliance that will see them cooperate on flights between Europe and North America. The deal had been vigorously opposed by transatlantic rival Virgin Atlantic, which claimed it would create a “monster monopoly”.
Deal averts strike at Virgin Atlantic
Pilots at Virgin Atlantic have reached a deal with airline representatives averting the threat of strike action. Following talks with the airline, pilots – represented by British Airline Pilots Association – have secured their target of a minimum of 120 rostered days off per annum.
Progress in Virgin pilots dispute
Representatives from the British Air Line Pilots Association have reported “some progress” in attempts to resolve a disagreement with Virgin Atlantic following talks in London. The two sides are in dispute over holiday entitlement at the airline, with the threat of strike action looming.
Branson abandons kite-boarding world record attempt
Strong winds and choppy seas have forced Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson to abandon his attempt to set two world records by kite-boarding across the English Channel.