Virgin Atlantic News Page 37
Virgin launches first Pacific service
Virgin Atlantic is launching its first service over the Pacific on Friday. The V Australia service will fly direct between Sydney and Los Angeles. Passengers will now be able fly around the world on Sir Richard Branson’s airline for the first time in its 25-year history.
Virgin Atlantic to cut 600 jobs while Ryanair axes 200
Virgin Atlantic has announced a possible 600 redundancies as it continues to reshape its business in the downturn.Meanwhile Ryanair has said it is cutting 200 jobs at its Dublin hub. The news follows plans to reduce staff at Shannon airport by 100.
Virgin freezes pay
Virgin Atlanticis to introduce a pay freeze from March in order to stay in the black and protect jobs during the recession.Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive, said: “During a recession, we all have to act responsibly to ensure that jobs are protected and that consumers get the best service. A pay freeze among our staff will help us remain strong during a period of lower demand for air travel.”
Virgin agrees codeshare expansion with bmi
Virgin Atlantic and bmi are to expand their existing codeshare agreement so that customers travelling on bmi’s UK domestic and Middle East networks can benefit from seamless connections with Virgin Atlantic’s North American services.
Virgin initiates premium class price war
Virgin Atlantic could spark a premium-class price war with a British Airways by slashing fares by up to 40 percent.In an attempt to maintain bookings as the downturn deepens, the London-based carrier is offering discounts to all 30 of its worldwide destinations. Prices include a return to New York dropping by 40 percent, Johanessburg 37 percent, Miami 34 percent, St Lucia 34 percent and Cape Town 34 percent.
Virgin marks 25th birthday with £6m ad campaign
Virgin Atlantic is kick starting its new year by unveiling a £6 million campaign to mark its 25 years of flying.The airline celebrates its 25th birthday on 22 June 2009 and plans a series of adverts, special promotions and other activities in the build-up.
Virgin reveals magazine tie-up
Virgin Atlantic has joined forces with NME Magazine for various ventures throughout Virgin’s inflight entertainment and inflight magazine, Seatback.
Virgin flyers fund Kenya project
Sir Richard Branson, the President of Virgin Atlantic, has helped to put the finishing touches to new school facilities in Kenya which have been partially funded by some of the airline’s frequent flyers.
Virgin reveals second Washington service
Virgin Atlantic is launching a second daily service to Washington Dulles International Airport, which will operate from 20 April to 25 October 2008.
BA and Virgin agree on refunds
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have agreed to pay refunds to passengers who travelled between 11 August 2004 and 23 March 2006.
Virgin launches onboard carbon offset scheme
For the first time ever, air passengers will be able to offset their travel during a flight as Virgin Atlantic introduces a Gold Standard Carbon Offset Scheme.
Virgin unveils new economy seats
Surging passenger demand has led to Virgin Atlantic fitting out its entire Heathrow fleet with its new Premium Economy seat.