Virgin Atlantic News
Virgin pilots threaten strike action
Air passengers face the threat of further chaos after news that Virgin Atlantic pilots could be planning a strike over a holiday entitlement dispute.
Virgin traffic surges despite extending losses
Virgin Atlantic has experienced a surge in traffic over the past quarter as passenger desert strike-ridden rival British Airways. However this failed to prevent the long-haul carrier from registering heavy losses over the period.
Virgin Atlantic faces US federal investigation
United States Department of Transport secretary Ray LaHood has launched an investigation to ascertain if Virgin Atlantic committed “any violations” after a delayed flight saw 300 passengers stranded for four hours on the tarmac in Connecticut.
Branson eyes Virgin Atlantic merger
Sir Richard Branson has hinted that merging Virgin Atlantic with another carrier might be the only way to allow his airline to compete with the likes of United, Lufthansa and British Airways.
Virgin Atlantic Airways Launches Brand’s First Global Campaign
Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, announced today the launch of their first-ever global marketing campaign: ‘Your Airline’s Either Got it or it Hasn’t.’
New ash flight rules set to come into force
New measures developed by the Civil Aviation Authority are due to come into force today in an effort to reduce disruption caused by volcanic ash. Following talks between airlines, regulators, and aircraft manufacturers, the CAA has developed a new Time Limited Zone, allowing aircraft to fly through higher volumes of ash for shorter periods.
Virgin blew whistle on price-fixing to avoid millions in fines
Virgin Atlantic “blew the whistle” over its price-fixing cartel with British Airways as it became so scared of the financial consequences if US regulators found out. The fines would have run into millions so Virgin owned up in order to gain immunity from prosecution, a court was told.
BA price-fixing cartel heads to court
The trial of four senior British Airways executives on accusations of price fixing has begun in London. The defendants agreed with Virgin Atlantic executives to fix fuel surcharges, which rose from £5 to £60 for a typical long-haul return ticket over an 18-month period.
Branson urges government to compensate airlines
Virgin Atlantic boss Richard Branson has lashed out at the UK government for its handling of the ash crisis, saying it should pay compensation to airlines as there had been “no danger at all to flying”.
OFT launches Virgin Atlantic price fixing probe
Virgin Atlantic faces an Office of Fair Trading investigation into its pricing strategy for passengers on its London to Hong Kong service, following a Cathay Pacific decision to blow the whistle on alleged price collusion on the route. Virgin denies the allegations and plans to a “robust” defence.
Branson lambastes “lazy” EU over BA-AA tie-up
Virgin Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson has labelled EU competition commissioners as “lazy” and “misguided” as he ramps up the campaign against the planned alliance between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia. The multi-billionaire is calling on Brussels to block the venture and is threatening to mount legal action.
Virgin Atlantic nets England World Cup role
In what will be seen by many as a snub to the troubled British Airways, long-haul carrier Virgin Atlantic has been appointed as the official airline of the England football team ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.