Virgin Atlantic

Airline Profile

Virgin Atlantic are the UK's second largest operator of long-haul scheduled flights, with an impressive network of flights branching out to four different continents from their main hubs at Heathrow and Gatwick airports in London.

A spin-off from the record label - and thus an object lesson in turning gold discs into spinning turbines - Virgin Atlantic has grown into an enterprise almost as big as owner Richard Bransons perma-grin, its profits boosted by the custom of businessfolk of a certain age whod swear blind music sounded better on vinyl. For much of its existence, the airline has prided itself on being the Stones to BAs Beatles; even the pin-up girl adorning the nose of its fleet - designed by British artist Ken White - can boast the sort of name ( Scarlet Lady) and look more common to certain 1970s album covers.

Ever keen to stay one step ahead of BA, Virgin has been experimenting with greener biofuels since 2008, and - further demonstrating how entertainment runs through the companys veins - it was the first to offer individual TVs to business class customers. These days, the consensus among passengers is that Virgins inflight service is altogether less smart: there are reports of uncomfortable/worn seating in economy class, indifferent cabin staff and notoriously terrible food.