Virgin Atlantic 25, mark b'day in style
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says vision and pioneering spirit
of Virgin Atlantic and Sir Richard Branson has changed the airline
business in the last 25 years Virgin Atlantic, one of the world's
leading long-haul airlines, celebrated its 25th birthday in style by
recreating the very first flight to New York that departed on June 22
1984.
Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, was joined onboard
by frequent travellers, travel trade VIPs and a host of special guests
including leading fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, international
cricketer Kevin Pietersen and his wife, former Liberty X singer Jessica,
as well as Ian Botham and Christopher Biggins, who was a passenger on
the very first Virgin Atlantic flight 25 years ago.
"Birthday girl"
As part of the celebrations at Heathrow Airport before the historic
departure, Sir Richard Branson was joined on the wing of the Boeing
747-400 Virgin Atlantic aircraft, named 'Birthday Girl', by acclaimed
super model and icon, Kate Moss who came to personally wish the airline
a Happy Birthday.
Speaking at Heathrow Airport, Sir Richard Branson, President of
Virgin Atlantic said: "I am so proud of what we have achieved in the
last 25 years.
"It is a tribute to the staff of Virgin Atlantic that we are in the
leading position .
"It seems a long time ago that we took that first flight in 1984, and
so much has been achieved since then. We would like to thank the
millions of travellers that have put their faith in us and the thousands
of staff who have created such a great airline."
Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic said:
Accomplishment
"Today's milestone is a huge accomplishment for Virgin Atlantic. In
the last 25 years, our 8500 staff worldwide have helped us build a
fantastic airline against all the odds, whether battling with our
competitors or enduring the ups and downs of the aviation industry.
Since 1984 Virgin Atlantic has grown up a lot but thanks to the
creativity, enthusiasm and hard work of our staff, we are definitely
still red hot!"
The airline also received a special birthday message from Prime
Minister Gordon Brown who said: "I'm delighted to congratulate Virgin
Atlantic on the 25th anniversary.
"Britain is rightly proud of having the world's most innovative and
competitive airlines.
"Virgin Atlantic and Richard Branson's vision and pioneering spirit
have changed the global airline business over the last twenty-five
years.
"People can now afford to fly to places they previously only dreamt
of. Aviation underpins our economic well-being.
"Virgin Atlantic is now also at the forefront of developing new
technologies to meet the challenge of climate change.
"May this pioneering spirit continue throughout your second quarter
century."
Today's special birthday flight will be under the command of Captain
Geoff Andreasen, Virgin Atlantic's Chief Boeing Pilot, and First Officer
Niamh O'Connor. The Flight Service Manager on the flight operated the
very first Virgin Atlantic flight in 1984. Chris Morley, who has been
with the airline for 25 years, will be leading the team of 18 cabin crew
across the Atlantic.
During the birthday flight guests will enjoy a taste of the 1980s,
with specially themed music and meals designed with an 80s twist. Among
the movies onboard will be 'Airplane', which was famously shown on the
airline's first ever flight.
Entertainers will also be onboard to ensure that everyone is in the
party spirit. Once in New York guests will be invited to the exclusive
Virgin Atlantic Red Hot Birthday Party in Manhattan. Over 65 million
passengers have chosen to travel with Virgin Atlantic since its launch
in 1984.
The airline now flies to 30 destinations around the world, from its
main bases at London Heathrow and London Gatwick, using a modern, young
fleet of Airbus A340 and Boeing 747 aircraft. |