- Virgin Records founder Sir Richard Branson started Virgin Atlantic Airways in 1984.
- The airline survived growing pains and financial strife to become a major transatlantic carrier.
- Virgin Atlantic celebrated the 40th anniversary of its maiden flight in June.
In June 2024, Virgin Atlantic Airways celebrated the 40th anniversary of its first flight.
Since its founding in 1984, the Richard Branson-led carrier has weathered its fair share of growing pains, financial challenges, and underhanded tactics from its biggest rivals to become one of the industry’s most innovative and visible airlines.
Today, as one of Great Britain’s two flag carriers, along with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and its instantly recognizable livery are mainstays at major airports around the world.
“Richard Branson has said what sets this company apart is an immense and obsessed focus on making our customers smile and having the best team in the sky,” Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss told Business Insider in an interview. “Today, we are more mature (as a company) and continue to lead from the front.”
Here’s a closer look at the 40-year history of Virgin Atlantic Airways.
