Virgin Atlantic Airways

Official Virgin Atlantic website: www.Virgin-Atlantic.com

Virgin Atlantic - Company background and history

Since it was founded almost twenty years ago, Virgin Atlantic Airways has become Britain’s second largest airline serving the world’s major cities. Virgin Atlantic is the quintessential Virgin story. It has every ingredient: the small newcomer taking on the giant and complacent establishment, the people’s champion introducing better service and lower costs for passengers with a reputation for quality and innovative product development. Virgin Atlantic was developed as an offshoot of Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, which was better known at the time as a leading light in the world of pop and rock music.

In early 1984, the then young and unorthodox chairman of Virgin was surprised when he was contacted by an Anglo-US lawyer called Randolph Fields with a proposal for an involvement in a new airline called British Atlantic. Fields originally planned to operate a 747 service to New York’s JFK airport in an all business configuration – an idea that was denied to him by British licensing authorities. Recognising that, like the music business, aviation was a consumer led industry, and tired of the conveyor belt attitude to passengers, Branson decided it was time for Virgin to diversify. His fellow directors thought he was mad – particularly when he announced the new airline would begin operating in just over three months. Never one to take ‘no’ for an answer, Branson’s infectious enthusiasm ensured that staff were hired, an aircraft was found, licences were obtained and the uniforms were designed. It was not easy, especially when incidents such as an engine failure on the eve of the airline’s maiden flight meant that Branson started getting premature grey hairs!

On 22 June 1984 Virgin’s inaugural flight to Newark took place, a flight filled with friends, celebrities and the media. The airline’s aim was simple: “To provide the highest quality innovative service at excellent value for money for all classes of air travellers”. From those early days the airline has gone from strength to strength. Now based at both London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports, it operates long-haul services from Heathrow to New York (Newark and JFK), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, Boston, Miami, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Shanghai, Delhi and Lagos. Virgin also operates services from Gatwick to Orlando, Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, Las Vegas, Grenada and Tobago. Virgin Atlantic also operates a service from Manchester to Orlando. Hugely popular, Virgin Atlantic has top business, consumer and trade awards from around the world. The airline has pioneered a range of innovations setting new standards of service, which its competitors have subsequently tried to follow.

Despite Virgin Atlantic’s growth the service still remains customer driven with an emphasis on value for money, quality, fun and innovation. On 20 December 1999 Richard Branson signed an agreement to sell a 49% stake of Virgin Atlantic to Singapore Airlines to form a unique global partnership. The cost of the transaction to Singapore Airlines was £600.25 million, which included a capital injection of £49 million and values Virgin Atlantic at a minimum of £1.225billion. The deal was finalised in early 2000. On July 16 2003 came the launch of Virgin Atlantic’s revolutionary new Upper Class ‘Suite’, the longest and most comfortable flat bed and seat in the airline industry. The Upper Class Suite has recently won the Design Week Award for Industrial Product Design and FX International Interior Design Award for Best Furniture. In March 2004, Virgin Atlantic announced that it is to embark on a period of sustained growth which will feature the launch of a series of new routes including Australia, Cuba and The Bahamas, an increase of services to the Caribbean, Asia and the Far East.

Virgin Atlantic Route Network USA - UK

Heathrow/New York (Newark)/Heathrow* VS001/VS002 VS017/VS018

Heathrow/New York (JFK)/Heathrow* VS003/VS004 VS009/VS010 VS045/VS046

Heathrow/Miami/Heathrow VS005/VS006

Heathrow/Los Angeles/Heathrow* VS007/VS008 VS023/VS024

Heathrow/Boston/Heathrow VS011/VSO12

Gatwick/Orlando/Gatwick* VS015/VS016 VS027/VS028

Heathrow/San Francisco/Heathrow VS019/VS020

Heathrow/Washington DC/Heathrow VS021/VS022

Gatwick/Las Vegas/Gatwick VS043/VS044

Manchester/Orlando/Manchester VS075/VS076

Virgin Atlantic Route Network Africa - UK

Heathrow/Johannesburg / Heathrow VS601/VS602

Heathrow /Cape Town / Heathrow VS603/VS604

Heathrow/Lagos/Heathrow VS651/VS652

Gatwick / Port Harcourt / Gatwick VS623/VS624

Virgin Atlantic Route Network Asia - UK

Heathrow/Tokyo/Heathrow VS900/VS901

Heathrow/Hong Kong/Heathrow VS200/VS201

Heathrow/Shanghai/Heathrow VS250/VS251

Heathrow/Delhi/Heathrow VS300/VS301

Virgin Atlantic Route Network UK - Caribbean

Gatwick/Barbados/Gatwick VS029/VS030

Gatwick/Barbados/St Lucia/Barbados/Gatwick VS037/VS038

Gatwick/St Lucia/Gatwick VS031/VS032

Gatwick/Antigua/Gatwick VS033/VS034

Gatwick/Tobago/Grenada/Tobago/Gatwick VS051/VS052

 * Two services per day

Virgin Holidays – Company Background

Born in 1985, Virgin Holidays was formed following the creation of Virgin Atlantic Airways with a view to selling seats on the new Virgin Atlantic routes to New York, Orlando and Miami. Forming the leisure marketing wing of the Virgin Travel Group, Virgin Holidays has become one of the largest and most successful scheduled tour operators in the UK. The company was formed 18 years ago when Virgin Atlantic won its second transatlantic route to Miami and it was then decided to sell holiday packages. Built on the Virgin principles of excellent customer service, high quality and value for money, Virgin Holidays offers maximum convenience and flexibility with an emphasis on fun and excitement. Since Virgin Holidays was founded it has gone from strength to strength.

It now offers holidays to mainland USA, Canada, Florida, Caribbean, South Africa, more recently a new worldwide programme, plus a well-established ski programme in North America. As the number of featured resorts has grown, so has the number of passengers that choose Virgin Holidays. In 1986, Virgin Holidays carried just over 14,000 passengers, this year the company is expected to carry around 350,000 passengers. A clear indication of the high passenger loyalty and the enviable level of repeat business that Virgin Holidays receives can be seen by the ever-growing membership of the Frequent Virgin Club. The Club is Virgin Holidays loyalty programme, and membership currently stands at more than 100,000 members. Virgin Holidays has become one of the largest and most successful transatlantic tour operators in the UK, holding the position of market leader to Florida, USA and Caribbean. The 21st Century will see the continued expansion and growth of Virgin Holidays to cover even more destinations around the world.

Airline Partnership

Virgin Atlantic announced its unique global partnership with Singapore Airlines in December 1999. Under the terms of the deal Singapore Airlines acquired a minority stake of 49% of Virgin Atlantic. The partnership is a perfect match - both airlines have an unparalleled reputation for quality and innovation, and have won countless awards from the travel industry. The cost of the transaction to Singapore Airlines was £600.25 million, which included a capital injection of £49 million. At the time Virgin reinvested a further £51 million into Virgin Atlantic. This transaction for a minority equity investment valued Virgin Atlantic at a minimum of £1.225 billion. Singapore Airlines operates a fleet of 95 aircraft and its route network extends to 89 destinations world-wide. Virgin Atlantic, the UK’s second largest long haul airline, operates a fleet of 29 aircraft to 22 destinations in Africa, Asia and the United States. The two carriers’ route networks do not overlap and are uniquely complementary. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, the two carriers have retained their distinctive identities and have continued to develop their own products. The two companies have retained their independent management teams but Singapore Airlines has some representation on the board of Virgin Atlantic.

Frequent flyers on Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines are able to earn mileage and redeem travel rewards on each others services. Additionally Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines work together to offer their passengers greater benefits including access to lounges world-wide, and an increasingly seamless travel experience across their networks.
 

Airline Alliances

To enable us to offer flights to even more destinations around the world, we have entered into alliances with a number of partner airlines – each hand picked for their high levels of service and customer care. On alliance services connecting with Virgin Atlantic flights we are able to through check passengers and their baggage to their final destination, where local customs regulations permit. We have synchronised our schedules with those of our partners to enable us to offer passengers the shortest possible connections between our services. Passengers are also able to earn and redeem flying club miles on our alliance services, subject to terms and conditions.

Singapore Airlines

Our Codeshare Agreement with Singapore Airlines enables Virgin Atlantic passengers to purchase tickets in Economy class on Singapore Airlines services from both London Heathrow and Manchester to Singapore. Additionally, Singapore Airlines passengers are able to purchase seats between Singapore and Orlando via Manchester, using Virgin Atlantic operated services between Manchester and Orlando.

Continental Airlines

Virgin Atlantic’s Codeshare Agreement with Continental Airlines allows us to jointly offer high quality, high frequency services to New York. We sell seats in Economy class and BusinessFirst on two Continental operated London Gatwick - Newark services, allowing us to make seven daily services available to NYC.

Malaysia Airlines

We have teamed up with Malaysia Airlines to offer double daily services between Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur, and daily services between Kuala Lumpur and Sydney. Flights are operated by Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747-400 aircraft, and seats are available in First, Golden Club and Economy classes. bmi

British Midland

Our Codeshare arrangement with bmi British Midland allows European passengers greater access and simple connections onto our worldwide network of services operated from Heathrow. Our partnership allows us to offer connections between Alicante, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Hanover, Naples, Palma, Paris, Madrid, Milan, Nice and Venice and all of our Heathrow operated services.

Air India

Virgin Atlantic launched services between London Heathrow and Delhi in July 2000, in co-operation with Air India. These services, all of which are operated by Virgin Atlantic, increase the choice available to the travelling public on services between the UK and India.
 

The Virgin Atlantic product

On its long haul routes Virgin Atlantic operates a two class system: Upper Class (the airline’s business class) and Economy Class which is segmented into Premium Economy Class (a full fare separate economy cabin) and Economy (all other coach/economy fares): Virgin Atlantic recently launched the Upper Class Suite – a new product which promises to take on other carriers’ first and business class products.

Upper Class airport lounges

Arrivals lounges Lounge facilities are available on arrival at:

London – Heathrow Revivals – arrivals lounge with facilities including showers, Virgin Touch salon, business area, lounge bar and deli Departure lounges Lounges for Upper Class passengers’ use prior to departure are provided at all airports.

All lounges are beyond passport control except at Boston and Newark.

London - Heathrow The Virgin Clubhouse

London – Gatwick The Virgin Clubhouse Gatwick

New York – Newark The Virgin Clubhouse Newark

New York – JFK The Virgin Clubhouse JFK

Boston Upper Class Lounge

Washington The Virgin Clubhouse Washington

Miami Club America Lounge

Orlando Delta Airlines Crown Room

San Francisco The Virgin Clubhouse San Francisco

Tokyo The Virgin Clubhouse Tokyo

Hong Kong The Virgin Clubhouse Hong Kong

Johannesburg The Virgin Clubhouse

Caribbean Club Caribbean Lounge in Barbados

Big Banana Lounge in Antigua

LA Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Facilities available in these lounges include: • Complimentary drinks & bar menu • Newspaper and magazines • Fax, photocopier, computers • Check-in at lounge for passengers with hand baggage only where possible • Telephones • TV, video, games • Toilets & showers

Upper Class lounges

The concept behind Virgin Clubhouses, Virgin’s lounges for Upper Class passengers, are designed to deliberately challenge the conventions of the airline industry and to create a different travelling environment. The Virgin Clubhouse at Heathrow Opened on 22 February 1993 by Secretary of State for Transport John MacGregor MP and Richard Branson, the lounge represents a £1 million investment for the airline.

In September 1999 with changes and improvements included: • A new dining area to allow passengers to eat a main meal in the lounge. • A new reception area with 4 staff positions so that passengers can be greeted and dealt with efficiently. • The bar has grown and the surrounding area has more open plan space to support 30 extra seats accommodating additional flights. • The conservatory and library have been tidied up but remain quintessentially as they were. • The music room has been transplanted to a new area replacing the putting green. • Virgin Touch has been extended to provide two new sinks, more massage space and two new shower rooms. • The phone booths have been expanded into two new business booths Located beyond passport control in Terminal 3, the Clubhouse has views on two sides and from the roof of airport runways. It is designed, above all, to be a place where the passenger can relax, have fun and escape from the normal hum-drum routine of waiting for international flights. Central to this way of thinking is the offer of choice. Travellers are invited to explore the Clubhouse to find the room which best captures their mood at that particular time of day.

The full spectrum of choice available is best explained by a tour through the rooms:

The Reception

On entering the Clubhouse guests are greeted and welcomed at a concierge desk that offers travel and secretarial support, plus information on Virgin Atlantic services and Freeway enquiries.

The Bar

At the centre of the Clubhouse is one large bar area, featuring a drinks bar with a flexible menu offering food all day

The Library

Designed in the character of a traditional gentleman’s club, with antique leather armchairs, a full library of over 5,000 old and new books and a seventeenth century banqueting table from Richard Branson’s country home. Newspapers, magazines and boardgames are also provided.

The Games Area

The Namco “Alpine Racer” ski simulator, featuring mounted ski poles for balance and ski steps for rapid turns. Players can choose from three courses progressing in degrees of difficulty, including realistic “naturalistic” elements such as fog and blizzards. In addition a range of CDI interactive sporting game pods are complete with personal lighting systems. Nintendo games.

The Music Room

A sound proofed and private sitting room equipped with state of the art Denon system and new leather sofas. The room can also be reserved in advance for business meetings.

Business booths

It has individual workstations offering fax, photocopier, telephones as well as access to the Internet and international financial news services.

Virgin Touch

Virgin’s pre-flight grooming and relaxation salon offering a wide range of facials, massages and beauty treatments for male and female passengers, all by Virgin’s fully qualified beauty therapists. Hair cutting and styling is also available

Conservatory

A unique rooftop conservatory is situated above the Clubhouse giving unrivalled views of the airport taxiways and runways. Accessed via a spiral staircase the conservatory is a mixture of old and new, recreating the ambience of a Victorian conservatory but updated with soundproofing and modern amenities. A black and white chessboard effect patio garden surrounds the outside of the conservatory with four metre high topiary chess figures.

The Virgin Clubhouse Gatwick

The Gatwick Clubhouse was opened on 22 September 1998 by Roland Rivron, Jonathon Ross and Richard Branson. The Virgin Clubhouse offers a modern classic environment offering a comfortable, innovative, witty and colourful atmosphere. Located beyond passport control in the South Terminal, the Clubhouse looks out onto the apron of the airfield and the runway. It is designed to offer a choice of environments where the passenger can relax, have fun and enjoy themselves whilst waiting for their Virgin Atlantic flight. Travellers are invited to explore the Clubhouse to find the space which best captures their mood at that particular time of day. The full spectrum of choice available is best explained by a tour through the rooms:

The Reception

On entering the Clubhouse, guests are greeted and welcomed at the concierge desk that offers travel and secretarial support, plus information on Virgin Atlantic services. The Bar
Located at the far end of the Clubhouse, the bar offers a breakfast menu that includes a selection of hot and cold food, plus a drinks bar.

The Library

The library offers a wide selection of books, with antique leather furniture to relax on. Newspapers, magazines and board games are also provided.

The Games Room

A spacious room with multi-coloured tiled disco floor with two Playstations and an Xbox, A selection of children’s’ toys and books are also available.

The Business Centre

This room has individual work stations offering phone, fax, photocopying facilities as well as access to the Internet and international financial news services.

Virgin Touch

Virgin’s pre-flight grooming and relaxation salon offers a wide range of facials, massages and beauty treatments for male and female passengers, all by Virgin’s fully qualified beauty therapists. Hair cutting and styling is also available

Cinema

A red floor to wall padded surround sound cinema, which offers comfy sofas and beanbags with a wide-screen cinema where terrestrial and Satellite television can be viewed. In addition the Clubhouse offers: Telescopes Long range Japanese made telescopes offer close up and panoramic views of the runway and aircraft in the South Terminal.

Lift

A dedicated lift takes passengers direct to a satellite train to board a Virgin flight.

Toilets and showers

Ultra modern restrooms with showers and facilities for baby changing and for those with disabilities.

Telephone booths

Local and national are free of charge. There is a charge for international calls.

Wardrobe area

Offering lockable lockers and hanging facilities.

Upper Class health and beauty therapy Virgin has taken its commitment to ensuring passengers arrive at their destination relaxed and refreshed to new heights with its comprehensive beauty therapy programme. Inflight beauty therapy The airline’s first inflight beauty therapist, Jane Breeden, now heads up Virgin’s team of inflight beauty therapists. She first approached Richard Branson in 1989 with her novel idea – why not offer your passengers something extra-special when crossing the Atlantic – such as a massage? Branson saw the potential in this idea – particularly for the many business travellers regularly flying with the airline. Jane was given the opportunity to try out her idea on one of Virgin’s New York flights in February 1990.

The ‘trial flight’ was a great success and Jane’s first flight as the airline’s official Inflight Beauty Therapist coincided with the launch of the airline’s service to Los Angeles in May 1990. Virgin’s inflight beauty therapy quickly became popular. When arranging their treatment, passengers are asked whether they wish to be woken for their treatment should they fall asleep. The early mistake of not disturbing a happily slumbering passenger who subsequently woke up at the end of the flight very disappointed to have missed his massage has not been repeated! Virgin has a growing team of Inflight Beauty Therapists, all fully qualified in beauty therapy.

On all flights between London and New York (both Newark and JFK), Washington, Tokyo and Johannesburg, Los Angeles, Boston, Cape Town, Delhi, Lagos, Shanghai, Hong Kong and San Francisco a therapist offers complimentary neck and scalp massages, zone therapy massage and manicures to Upper Class passengers. Prior to take-off, the inflight beauty therapist hands out a card explaining the services and inviting passengers to make an appointment. They can then book a massage or manicure which takes place in the onboard lounge area. The Virgin Beauty Therapy Department has grown rapidly. Today there are over 200 inflight beauty therapists plus 18 beauty therapists and 9 hairdressers based at the Virgin Clubhouses. Virgin Touch Spas are also being introduced, the first was opened at La Residencia, Richard Branson’s privately owned hotel in Majorca.

Virgin Touch

Virgin has taken its commitment to ensuring passengers arrive at their destination relaxed and refreshed to new heights with its comprehensive beauty therapy programme. In-flight Beauty Therapy Virgin Atlantic has a growing team of In-flight Beauty Therapists, all fully qualified in beauty therapy. Our unique service is available on the following flights from London Heathrow: JFK Johannesburg Newark San Francisco Los Angeles Shanghai Tokyo Boston Washington Cape Town Hong Kong Delhi Lagos Treatments consist of Stress busting face & scalp massage, Full backup massage, Helping Hands – Zone Therapy, Handsome Hands – manicure and Armed Force shoulder & arm massage which are carried out in our dedicated on-board area. Prior to take-off, the beauty therapist hands out an invitation card explaining the treatments available and then makes the appointment. Pre-flight Grooming – The Virgin Touch Salons In 1993 Virgin’s exclusive pre-flight grooming salon was introduced for Upper Class Passengers, with the opening of the Virgin Clubhouse at London Heathrow. We offer an extensive range of complimentary treatments for both men and women. The Virgin Touch salon is designed to ensure travellers begin their flight relaxed and tension free.

Massage Treatments

Back down to earth – luxury back massage using blended aromatherapy oils.

Stress Busting Face & Scalp massage – Acupressure face and scalp massage

Full Backup massage – Pressure point massage

Armed Force-Shoulder & Arm acupressure massage

Helping Hands – Zone Therapy massage Facia Treatments

Ready for take-off – Eliminate dead skin cells, hydrate for a fresh complexion and moisturise to protect – ready to jet set!

Final Call – Choose from either mask or massage to complete this Guinot facial.

Hydradermie – Complete facial treatment that deep cleanses the skin, re-hydrates the deeper layers and speed up cellular regeneration. Beauty Treatments

Handsome Hands - Manicure

Dust & polish – Filed and finished with a nail colour of your choice, for either hands or feet.

Bubble & Feet – Rejuvenating foot spa & massage treatment.

Waxing – For the temporary removal of hair, on face and body.

Face the Day – Quick colour make-up, which freshens and enhances your complexion.

Eyebrow shaping – Gives definition and enhances the natural eye shape.

Hairdressing

Cut & blow dry – Cut out the hassle.

Wash & Set – Get set! for departure

Wash & blow dry – Includes scalp massage.

Hair Up – Create a great new look without the cut.

Beard Trim – Guys why not nip in!

Specialised Hair & Scalp Treatments using Philip Kingsley products. You can choose from an Intensive Elasticizer for your hair and soothing creams to condition your scalp. The Sensational Shave Including a cool cleanse; calm cream, hot & cold towels. Finished with a relaxing “fit face” massage.

Revivals Launched for the Millennium, our first arrival facility, Revivals based at London Heathrow opened in January 2000.

Our Virgin Touch area has been designed to revitalise and energise our passengers before a hectic day at the office.

Bubble & Feet - Rejuvenating foot spa and massage treatment.

Face the Day - A quick colour make-up, which will freshen and enhance your complexion.

Dust & Polish -Filed and finished with the nail polish of your choice.

The Sensational Shave Your treatment can be arranged by visiting the Virgin Touch area within Revivals.

‘Flying Without Fear’

Virgin Atlantic launched its ‘Flying Without Fear’ course on 4 April 1998, designed to help people overcome their anxieties of flying. The one-day courses are held at a venue near the Virgin Atlantic Headquarters in Crawley, West Sussex. The courses consist of a morning session led by a Virgin Atlantic Captain who talks on flight safety, take-off and landing procedures, as well as teaching people to recognise the sort of noises that aircraft routinely make in these manoeuvres. After lunch David Landau teaches relaxation techniques. David Landau has a long track record in psychoanalysis and has made appearances on TV and radio. David talks in depth about fears and phobias and teaches the skills to help people learn to control their fears, preparing them for the flight. Following this, participants have the opportunity to go on a 45 minute flight.

This was a brand new addition to the programme in 2003. The aircraft used are Boeing 737’s that have been chartered specifically for the course. The participants are accompanied on the flight by Virgin Atlantic captains, cabin crew and ground staff, who can support them and alleviate any fears. The day ends with a post flight debrief and participants will receive a free tape/CD specially compiled by David Landau. The course has been designed to allow plenty of time for questions. This creates a very relaxed atmosphere and participants are amazed at how much they enjoy the day. Statistically speaking, the course has a success rate in excess of 95%. What distinguishes the Virgin Atlantic’s ‘Flying Without Fear’ programme from other courses is the aftercare that participants will receive. After the course, if participants take a flight with Virgin Atlantic, the Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance department will be on hand to help with special requirements tailored specifically to their needs or anxieties regarding the flight.

In addition to this there is a ‘Flying Without Fear’ channel available onboard the aircraft, which is narrated by David Landau, who provides a familiar voice to help relax the passenger.
 

Virgin Atlantic Loyalty Programmes Flyingclub

The frequent flyer programme, flying club (previously Freeway) is designed to provide more exciting incentives for first time flyers and to build passenger loyalty. The reward scheme has been restructured, now members can join the flying club red from their first flight and regular travellers can aim for flying club silver and ultimately flying club gold. flying club red members will receive regular mailings of special offers and fare to Virgin Atlantic destinations and promotions from our partners exclusive to flying club members. flying club silver is a status that will never be downgraded, to qualify members need to make the equivalent of one Upper Class one-way flight. This will enable members priority status, Premium Economy check in when flying Economy, priority wait-listing, express handling of rewards and exclusive offers. flying club gold brings extra status to frequent flyers. Benefits include Upper Class check in regardless of travelling class, 24 hour access to theatre and sporting ticketing with no booking fee and the ability to tailor-make their own awards. flying club has many partner airlines and hotels. The airlines include American West, Air New Zealand, British Midland, Delta, Gulf Air, Malaysia Airlines, Midwest Express and Singapore Airlines. flyingco.

Virgin Atlantic has a sales incentive designed especially for small and medium-sized businesses under the new brand flyingco. flyingco. is a unique incentive for smaller businesses because it offer two sets of benefits – cost savings for the company, and personal frequent flyer benefits for the business traveller. All business travellers contribute to the company account which soon builds into a shared pool earning the company a range of rewards. The key company rewards include Virgin Atlantic flights, space available upgrades, limo transfers, lounge passes, Gatwick and Heathrow Express tickets, bmi British Midland flights, Eurostar tickets, car hire and hotel stays.

Richard Branson: biography & background

Founder and Chairman of the Virgin group of companies Richard Branson was born in 1950, and educated at Stowe School, where he established a national magazine called Student at the age of sixteen. He started a student advisory service centre aged 17 to help young people.

In 1970 he founded Virgin as a mail order record company and shortly after opened a record shop in Oxford Street, London. During 1972, a recording studio was built in Oxfordshire where the first Virgin artist, Mike Oldfield, recorded “Tubular Bells” which was released in 1973. The first album of the newly created Virgin records went on to sell over 5 million copies. Over the years many household names, including Genesis, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, The Human League, Culture Club, Janet Jackson and The Rolling Stones helped make Virgin one of the top six record companies in the world. The equity of Virgin Music Group – record labels, music publishing and recording studios – was subsequently sold to the Thorn EMI in 1992 in a US$ 1 billion deal.

The interests of Virgin Group had now expanded into international “Megastore” music retailing, book and software publishing film and video editing facilities, clubs, travel, hotels and cinemas through over 100 companies in 23 countries. Virgin Atlantic Airways, formed in 1984, has become the second largest British long haul international airline and operates a fleet of Boeing 747 and Airbus A340 aircraft to New York, Miami, Boston, Washington, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Johannesburg, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Shanghai, Las Vegas and Delhi. The airline was founded on the concept of offering a competitive and high quality Upper Class and Economy service.

The airline is now the holder of every major travel award. In 1995 Virgin Direct was launched selling financial services by telephone at a significantly lower cost than traditional financial services companies. In 1996 Virgin Group launched Virgin Express, a short-haul airline based in Belgium which offering a low cost, no frills service and flies within Europe. Virgin Rail operates two rail franchises and is currently engaged in a £2 billion fleet replacement programme to create one of the most modern rail networks in the world by 2002. In 1999 Virgin entered into the telecommunications business launching Virgin Mobile and in 2000 low cost airline Virgin Blue was launched in Australia. For 2001, the combined sales of the different Virgin holding companies were around £4 billion. Since 1985, Richard has also been involved in a number of world record-breaking attempts. In 1986, his boat ‘Virgin Atlantic Challenger II’, rekindled the spirit of the Blue Riband by crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the fastest ever recorded time. This was followed a year later by the epic hot air balloon crossing in 'Virgin Atlantic Flyer’ which was not only the first to cross the Atlantic but was the largest ever flown.

In January 1991, he crossed the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Arctic Canada, again breaking all existing records with speeds of up to 245 miles per hour. Between 1995 and 1998 Richard Branson and Per Lindstrand and Steve Fossett made a number of attempts to circumnavigate the globe by balloon. In late 1998 they made a record breaking flight from Morocco to Hawaii but their dream was shattered by bad weather before a Swiss team successfully circumnavigated the globe early in 1999. In the 1999 New Years Honours list Richard Branson received a knighthood for his ‘services to entrepreneurship’. Richard lives in London and Oxfordshire and is married to Joan with two children, Holly and Sam.

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