Name of the Airline: Virgin Atlantic Airways
Website: www.virgin-atlantic.com
Headquarters:
Manor Royal
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 9NU
GBR

General Information:
Virgin Atlantic Airways, the second largest British long haul international airline, is owned by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group (51%) and Singapore Airlines (49%).

The famous British entrepreneur founded the airline in 1984.
Virgin Atlantics offers long-haul routes between the United Kingdom and North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia from its main British airports London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

The first air service was between London Gatwick and Newark Liberty, just outside from New York, using a single, leased Boeing 747-200. Virgin Atlantic is headquartered in West Sussex, the UK and employs 9,000 people.

The company recorded revenues of £1,912 million during the fiscal year ended February 2006, an increase of 17.3% over 2005. The operating profit of the company was £41.6 million during fiscal year 2006, compared to £20.1 million in 2005.

Operating Fleet
In 2007 Virgin Atlantic operated a fleet of

13 Boeing 747s,
6 Airbus 340-300s and
15 Airbus A340-600s,

they additionally ordered six Airbus A380 aircrafts, which are due to be delivered from 2013.

Destinations
Virgin Atlantic Airways is operating an extensive long haul services to thirty-five global destinations. For a comprehensive information visit Virgin- where in the world.

I went to New York around 5 years ago, and flew with Virgin. I was a bit nervous of the flight as I hadn't flown long haul before. However, Virgin were so professional and relaxing that I felt completely at ease. Our flight wasn't delayed, and they were very efficient at getting everyone onto the plane. Our seats were very comfortable, and the food and in flight movie were both really nice. I had no complaints...we were even given a small toiletries bag with flight socks, toothbrush and paste and an eye mask. The attention to detail on the flight was superb.

On the way back however, we had one problem - we got to the airport later than planned, because of our transfer. When we got through the long queue to the check-in desk, we were told that there were no seats left on our flight. This is because all flights are overbooked, as people do not always show up for a flight. My mother and I were very shocked and the check-in assistant tried her best to get us a seat. They did release the exit seats, situated next to the fire exits. They were not as comfortable as our original seats, and we didn't have our own movie screens. But at least we got a seat!

The outward journey was better than homeward one, but I will still impressed by Virgin's efficiency and attentions to detail, as well as great customer service.