Virgin Atlantic Scores Top Honors With Travel Industry Awards

Virgin Atlantic Scores Top Honors With Travel Industry Awards

SOUTH NORWALK, Conn., Dec. 21 - For the second year in a row, Virgin Atlantic Airways scored two prestigious travel industry awards for ‘Best International Airline’ in Travel Weekly’s 2009 Reader’s Choice Awards and ‘Best Premium Economy in the World’ in Business Traveler’s 2009 Best in Business Travel Awards.

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“Securing back to back wins with Travel Weekly and Business Traveler in their annual awards is a tremendous honor.  These accolades are particularly exceptional because each publication’s readers—all well traveled and knowledgeable fliers—voted for the winners.  This group’s expertise on the ins and outs of air travel makes winning these awards that much more special.  We’re thrilled to again be recognized for our products and services, as we strive everyday to offer an experience that combines superior comfort, productivity and extraordinary service, all at an outstanding value,” said Chris Rossi, Senior VP of N. America.

In the air, Virgin Atlantic’s most popular cabins with business travelers are the award-winning Upper Class Suite and Premium Economy cabin. Upper Class offers first class style at a business class price and features amenities such as a reclining leather seat that folds into a fully flat bed with proper mattress, direct aisle access from every seat, a Freedom Menu designed so travelers can eat what they want/when they want, an onboard bar and over 300 hours of entertainment options, plus, Virgin Atlantic’s legendary service.

On the ground, Upper Class travelers can enjoy the ultimate pre-flight experience at Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses—offering everything from full business facilities, Wi-Fi, beauty treatments, hair cuts, fine dining and stylish bars—all complimentary, of course.  At London’s Heathrow Airport passengers can take advantage of the Upper Class Wing and Revivals, the arrivals lounge.  At Revivals guests can enjoy a private shower suite when they land, freshly pressed clothes, and a warm, made-to-order breakfast so they can hit the ground running.

Upon departure at London Heathrow, the Upper Class Wing at Terminal 3 moves guests from curb to Clubhouse in under 10 minutes.  When guests arrive, check-in formalities are completed from the comfort of Virgin Atlantic’s complimentary car service, which is followed by a quick and efficient security check, as guests are escorted through the Private Security Channel and into Virgin Atlantic’s flagship Clubhouse, all in a matter of minutes.  The 8,000 square foot space has re-set the standard for the industry, creating the perfect haven before the return flight to the U.S. or connecting flights around the world.

The Premium Economy cabin features the perfect balance between enhanced comfort and exceptional value.  Passengers enjoy more personal space with the widest seat in its class and ergonomically designed to enhance comfort.  In addition, priority boarding, tempting menu options served on china dinnerware, personal laptop power and a variety of other features make the Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy travel experience truly extraordinary.

Travel Weekly’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards are voted for by agents, industry executives and the CEOs of the world’s largest travel companies, all who have a deep understanding of the business.  Those same readers chose Virgin Atlantic as ‘Best International Airline’ over carriers such as British Airways and Singapore Airlines.

The results of Business Traveler’s Best in Business Travel Awards were based on 8,000 surveys sent to subscribers of the travel publication.  Participants were asked to choose their favorite airlines, hotels, airports and other travel-related services by answering open-ended questions.

For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office at (203) 750-2570 or visit http://www.virginatlantic.com.

About Virgin Atlantic Airways

Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, was founded in 1984 and is celebrating its 25th Birthday throughout 2009 with a series of surprises and delights. Virgin Atlantic offers service from 10 U.S. cities to London and onto a range of long-haul destinations worldwide.  From its main base in London Heathrow and Gatwick, Virgin Atlantic services destinations as far apart as Las Vegas, Tokyo, Delhi, Boston and Shanghai. Sir Richard Branson is the President of Virgin Atlantic; Steve Ridgway is the Chief Executive.  Even with Virgin Atlantic’s continued growth, the service still remains customer driven with an emphasis on value for money, quality, fun and innovation, ensuring flying Virgin Atlantic is always an event.

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Source: Virgin Atlantic Airways
 

CONTACT:  Virgin Atlantic Airways, U.S. Press Office, +1-203-750-2570

Web Site:  http://www.virginatlantic.com/