Back in the early 80s Richard Branson was probably best known for Virgin Records. In 1984, Richard announced to the world that a high quality, value for money airline would begin operating and Virgin Atlantic Airways was born.
By the end of the decade they had flown over 1 million passengers and started shaking up services onboard by being the first airline to offer individual TVs to their business class passengers.
In 1992 Virgin launched the first super economy service that went on to become their award winning Premium Economy. They spent most of the Nineties buying new planes, expanding their route network and generally breaking new ground in passenger service, both on the ground and in the air and in 1999 Richard sold a 49% stake in the company to Singapore Airlines.
The decade is still young and they've already grown and now offer regular services to 25 destinations worldwide.
In 2001 we were voted OAG Airline of the Year.
In 2002 they were the launch customer for the Airbus A340-600.
In 2003 the launch of the Upper Class Suite gave Upper Class passengers the longest flat bed flying and a great nights sleep.
In 2004 we unveiled the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, in which Steve Fossett will attempt the first non-stop solo circumnavigation of the world.