News

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Sir Richard Branson expressed his desire to resume Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick Airport, where the airline's inaugural flight took off for New York in 1984. Despite consolidating operations at Heathrow, Branson emphasised the significance of Gatwick as the airline's starting point and indicated his intention to "twist arms" to make it happen.

The airline has maintained ownership of some Gatwick Airport slots, leading to speculation that flights could return to the airport. The potential resurgence of Virgin Atlantic at Gatwick follows the recent launch of a new route from Manchester Airport to Las Vegas, signalling the airline's continued expansion across the UK.
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Looking ahead to the carrier's 40th anniversary, Branson hinted at new routes to North America and beyond, with some potentially departing from Gatwick. He also unveiled plans for his children, Sam and Holly, to take over the airline, with Holly serving as chief purpose and vision officer and Sam providing advisory support.

Furthermore, Branson pledged to introduce new Upper Class seats that he claims will surpass the quality of BA first class, based on the two-person Retreat Suite featured on the airline's new Airbus A330s. Additionally, he highlighted Virgin Atlantic's commitment to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), citing the airline's Heathrow-New York JFK flight powered entirely by SAF as evidence that current engines can safely utilise biofuels.

In related news, Willie Walsh, director general of IATA, expressed scepticism about constructing a third runway at Heathrow, citing location and noise concerns, and suggested the possibility of a second runway at Gatwick. As London's second airport plans to bring a secondary runway into regular use, the potential return of Virgin Atlantic flights to Gatwick could mark a significant milestone in the airline's history.