Dave

KLM names new A321neo fleet after butterflies, emphasising environmental commitment

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KLM has announced the names of its first four A321neo aircraft, with the first, named Swallowtail, expected to arrive at the end of August.

The KLM fleet will see further additions later this year with Peach Blossom, Common Brimstone and Waved Carpet joining the fleet.

This move continues KLM’s long-standing tradition of bestowing unique names upon its planes, a practice it has maintained for over 104 years.

Past themes have included names of members of the Royal family, notable bridges, aviation pioneers and national parks.

For this new series, KLM employees have chosen butterflies as the theme.

Butterfly Fleet: KLM’s A321neo “Swallowtail”

The introduction of the A321neo is a significant milestone in KLM’s fleet renewal efforts, supporting their commitment to the sector plan of “Cleaner, Quieter, More Efficient.”

These new aircraft are considerably quieter than their predecessors and achieve a 21% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometer.

KLM’s innovative approach underscores its dedication to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. The choice of butterflies, known for their grace and transformation, symbolises KLM’s continuous evolution in the aviation sector.

For information on flights with KLM, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Notes for Editors:

Dave

New comfort bags and premium care products for KLM business passengers

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From 1 July 2024, KLM World Business Class passengers and visitors to the KLM Crown Lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol can look forward to indulging in premium personal care products from renowned Dutch brand Marie-Stella-Maris.

Following this, from 1 August, these high-quality products will be featured in newly designed comfort bags distributed in KLM’s World Business Class.

Marleen van de Pol, VP Customer Experience said,

KLM aims to make every journey meaningful and believes in putting quality before quantity. After all, travel is not about ticking destinations off a list but about unique encounters and personal experiences

The new comfort bags are a result of KLM’s collaboration with the creative talents at Envisions, a design agency based in Eindhoven.

The agency, founded by young graduates from the Design Academy Eindhoven, drew inspiration from different moments of the day to create four distinctive designs for the comfort bags.

KLM Crown Lounge visitors and World Business Class passengers can enjoy a selection of hand soap, hand gel, hand lotion and a face mist. Additionally, the comfort bags will include a face moisturiser and lip balm, ensuring travellers stay refreshed and pampered during their journey.

Premium Care: KLM introduces Marie-Stella-Maris personal care products and Envisions-designed comfort bags for World Business Class passengers starting July 2024.

Marie-Stella-Maris products, known for their high-quality ingredients and commitment to sustainability, are made in the Netherlands with a minimum of 96% natural ingredients, such as shea butter, almond oil and hazelnut oil.

The brand donates 2.5% of its sales to sustainable water projects, aligning with KLM’s commitment to social responsibility.

The introduction of these new products and comfort bags will see the replacement of the current Rituals comfort bags and products from 1 August.

For more information about KLM flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Delta unveils exclusive Delta One Lounge at JFK Airport, redefining premium travel

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Delta Air Lines has unveiled its most exclusive destination yet: the Delta One Lounge at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, setting a new benchmark for luxury in air travel.

The Delta One Lounge, larger than any Delta Sky Club, is designed to provide an unparalleled experience for premium travellers.

Located between Concourses A and B in Terminal 4, the expansive 39,000 sqft Delta One Lounge offers a myriad of experiences and amenities, from fine dining and spa-like wellness treatments to valet services.

Luxurious Lounge: Delta One Lounge at JFK weaves superior craftsmanship and high-end design into the finest details of your journey

Delta One ticket holders can tailor their lounge experience to suit their needs, enhancing their travel day with a variety of bespoke options.

Claude Roussel, Vice President – Delta Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience, remarked,

Our teams have spared no detail to ensure Delta One Lounge guests receive a truly memorable experience. It’s a new era for Delta – this Lounge is raising the bar across the board, from the amenities to the food and beverage offerings to the level of personalised service. We want our guests to feel the difference here; moreover, we want them to feel welcomed and valued from the moment they step through the door.

An Immersive Manhattan Experience

The Delta One Lounge is designed to capture the essence of Manhattan, featuring unique touches that pay homage to iconic New York City landmarks.

The premium bar, adorned with an Art Deco-inspired lighting fixture, evokes the elegance of Radio City Music Hall.

The Market and Bakery, with its white-marble counters, is a nod to retro New York delicatessens, while fan-shaped marble mosaic tiles in the dining area honour the city’s famed brasseries.

In the dining room, a lighting fixture inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge’s overlapping strands adds a touch of local charm.

Additionally, the Lounge features a gallery with artworks from around the world, reflecting JFK’s role as a global gateway.

Manhattan Magic: Delta CEO Ed Bastian discusses the new Delta One Lounge on CNBC

Elevated Dining and Wellness Options

The Delta One Lounge caters to food enthusiasts with a 140-seat Brasserie offering a three-course meal service, curated by Restaurant Associates and Union Square Events.

For those preferring a more casual dining experience, The Market and Bakery provide seasonal culinary offerings for walk-up service.

Guests can also enjoy premium beverage cart service without leaving their seats.

The wellness area, complete with nine reservable relaxation pods featuring full-body massage chairs and treatments from Grown-Alchemist certified therapists, offers a sanctuary for relaxation.

Adjacent to this is the Serenity Lounge, designed to promote pre-flight tranquillity with specialty lighting that mimics circadian rhythms.

For those needing to freshen up, the Lounge offers eight shower suites equipped with luxurious amenities.

Business travellers can make use of individual soundproof booths and additional monitors to stay productive.

Wellness area: Equipped with nine reservable relaxation pods with full-body massage chairs and nap chairs, treatments from Grown-Alchemist certified therapists… and more

A Complete Premium Journey

From the moment Delta One customers arrive at JFK, they are treated to an end-to-end premium experience.

Elite Service agents greet guests at the dedicated check-in area with warm towels and refreshments.

Later this year, a private TSA screening lane will be added for an even more exclusive experience.

Delta’s commitment to premium service extends beyond JFK. New Delta One Lounges will soon open at Los Angeles and Boston Logan International airports, further enhancing the travel experience for Delta’s premium customers.

Delta’s extensive network from JFK includes over 200 peak-day departures to more than 90 destinations worldwide.

This summer, Delta is operating its largest trans-Atlantic schedule ever from JFK, including new destinations such as Naples and the resumption of services to Shannon, Ireland.

This winter, Delta, in partnership with LATAM, will offer the most extensive service between New York and South America.

For more information on how this new offering can enhance your business travel, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Heroic London Gatwick staff save passenger’s life with swift CPR response

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A team of dedicated staff at London Gatwick were recently thanked by a passenger for saving his life after he went into cardiac arrest at the airport.

Passenger Eddie Barnes was travelling through London Gatwick’s North Terminal security area on 24 October at 4:20 am, bound for Spain, when he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest.

In a swift and coordinated effort, a total of twelve staff from security, passenger operations, and the London Gatwick Fire Service responded immediately, administering life-saving CPR for more than 15 minutes and using a defibrillator to restart his heart before he was transported to hospital by ambulance.

Eddie has since made a full recovery and recently reunited with the team who saved his life to express his gratitude. He was given a tour of the airport’s airside fire station and had the opportunity to personally thank those involved.

Eddie Barnes shared his experience:

The cardiac arrest that I suffered must be the most profound experience for myself and those close to me and yet had the team at London Gatwick not successfully applied CPR, I would never have known a thing about it.

I had absolutely no warning when it happened, I simply dropped dead.

I am told that for more than 15 minutes CPR was applied in the course of which I received 16 broken ribs and the paddles were applied five times (and once more in the ambulance).

The heart surgeon informed me the number of ribs broken bears testimony to how well the CPR was applied.

It is hard work applying CPR and I will be eternally grateful to the team for not giving up.

Strangely the experience has not left me with any psychological hang-ups. By the time I knew what had happened it was too late to worry and I have every confidence that the team at St Thomas’s who supported me after I left Gatwick have dealt with the problem to prevent a recurrence.

All passenger operations staff at London Gatwick are provided with first aid training, including CPR, while firefighters from the on-site fire service are trained as advanced immediate emergency care responders, able to provide a higher level of medical care. The importance of this training is underscored by the 2,832 first aid calls the Passenger Operations Support team responded to last year, ranging from cardiac arrests to managing queues.

Scott Ronaldson, one of the first responders, reflected on the incident:

At the time Przemyslaw and I were close to finishing a night shift and were doing our usual lap to make sure everything was running smoothly. It was when we were talking to security we noticed screens being pulled across.

When we got to Eddie we noticed he wasn’t breathing. I tore his shirt off and commenced CPR with my colleague Przemyslaw until the rest of our team came with a defibrillator.

I have had a few instances where CPR is required and every time, I know I can rely on our amazing team to drop everything and come running to support. Thanks to the training we receive from the London Gatwick Fire Service we are well prepared for these circumstances and feel comfortable even in the worst cases.

Przemyslaw Karpicki also shared his experience:

Just as our night shift was ending, I was with Scott when we saw a passenger collapse. We didn’t hesitate, we ran straight to him. Security called us to respond, but by then, we were already there, ready to help.

Scott started CPR immediately since Eddie wasn’t breathing. Moments later, two more of our colleagues joined us with a defibrillator. Our training from the London Gatwick Fire Service kicked in, and they arrived shortly after to provide the next level of care. I knew I was surrounded by my colleagues from the passenger operations team and could rely on them completely.

At that moment, during CPR, I wasn’t thinking about my feelings, I was focused entirely on helping Eddie. But when I got home at the end of my shift, the reality hit me. Together with my colleagues, we did something incredible. We gave someone a chance to live, and that feels incredibly special.”

Life saved: (L-R) Przemyslaw Karpicki, Holly-May Parrish (passenger operations), Eddie Barnes and Scott Ronaldson

For further information about flights from Gatwick, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Finnair completes €200 million long-haul fleet upgrade

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Finnair has completed a €200 million refurbishment of its long-haul fleet, introducing new Business, Premium Economy and refreshed Economy Class cabins.

Finnair’s refurbishment of all long-haul aircraft is designed to underscore the airline’s commitment to elevating the customer experience.

The comprehensive project introduced a new Business Class seat, a brand-new Premium Economy cabin and a refreshed Economy Class.

The state-of-the-art cabins, initially launched in 2022, are now available across Finnair’s entire long-haul fleet of A350s and A330s. This refurbishment ensures a consistent and superior travel experience on all long-haul routes between Finnair’s hub in Helsinki and destinations in the US, Middle East and Asia.

Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer of Finnair, remarked:

After just two years, it is fantastic to have completed the rollout of our new award-winning long-haul cabin. Since its launch in 2022, customer feedback on our revolutionary Business Class seat and brand-new Premium Economy cabin has been excellent, so we are proud to be able to offer the renewed cabin on flights to all our long-haul destinations. We also know our customers value consistency and reliability, so to offer a uniform cabin concept across our whole fleet is a huge step on our customer experience journey. Customer satisfaction with our long-haul cabins has increased significantly with the cabin renewal.

Finnair’s new long-haul cabin has received several prestigious accolades, including ‘Cabin Concept of the Year’ by Onboard Hospitality, ‘Best Cabin Innovation’ by APEX, and ‘Best Cabin (First & Business Class)’ at the Yacht and Aviation Awards. The product has also been commended by the Crystal Cabin Awards and Skytrax, the ‘global benchmark for airline excellence’.

The new Business Class seats were developed in collaboration with Collins Aerospace, featuring a unique fixed shell lounge seat designed to maximise space and offer a variety of sitting and sleeping positions. This design enables customers to personalise their space for a relaxing long-haul flight.

Reflecting Finnair’s Nordic design language, the cabins feature a warm, dark, and comforting colour scheme, in line with the design of the airline’s non-Schengen lounges unveiled at Helsinki Airport before the pandemic.

Looking ahead, Finnair will continue investing in its customer experience and fleet. The airline has announced plans to renew the cabins of its regional E190 aircraft, which serve popular Nordic destinations. These jets will feature a new cabin inspired by the design of Finnair’s long-haul fleet. Additionally, Finnair will soon open a new, larger lounge in the Schengen area of Helsinki Airport, available to Business Class customers and Finnair Plus tier members, with access also available for purchase as a travel extra.

For further information about Finnair flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Qantas Reveals ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner for 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Teams

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Qantas has unveiled a ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner to support the 2024 Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

Qantas has shown its support for the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams by revealing a special ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ message on both sides of one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, emphasising its role as the official carrier for the 2024 Games.

Go Australia: Qantas 787 Captain Tom Bissland, Paralympian Emily Petricola, Paralympian Jaryd Clifford, Australian Paralympics Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin, Qantas Customer Service Agent Sofia De Freitas

This custom graphic encapsulates Australian pride on a global stage, reflecting the iconic green and gold spirit.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the long-standing relationship between Qantas and the Australian Olympic Team, which spans over 70 years. She remarked,

Qantas has a long and proud history of supporting the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams, from first flying Olympic athletes to the London Games in 1948 to our engineers designing custom cushions and support devices for our Australian Paralympians to travel comfortably on long-haul sectors.

Hudson added,

We are so proud to support our Australian athletes and supporters to get to the Games once again and hope our special cheer squad 787 will help spur on our teams and supporters to put on a great show in Paris.

Anna Meares, Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, expressed her appreciation for Qantas’ continued support, saying,

Qantas has been supporting Australian Olympic dreams for generations. We are thrilled Qantas will be proudly sharing their support of Australian Olympians on their 787 Dreamliner. As an Olympian, flying on that Qantas plane home from a Games, to meet friends and family in the Qantas hangar welcome home, is such a special memory. I’m looking forward to our 2024 Olympic Team making their own Qantas memories on their journey to and from the Paris Games.

Kate McLoughlin, Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission, also praised Qantas’ contributions, stating,

Our relationship with Qantas is so important to the Australian Paralympic Team. Qantas offers flexibility around the travel requirements of people with a disability and the equipment they carry, and it’s great the way Paralympics Australia and Qantas collaborate to understand the needs of our team. The flight home from the Games is always special. Qantas has delivered our Paralympians on charter flights home from London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 and we’re thrilled that our team will again be flown home to Australia by Qantas after the Paris Paralympics.

In addition to unveiling its ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Qantas is gearing up to launch its new Perth to Paris route next month and will resume its direct Perth to Rome flights for the third consecutive year this weekend. Notably, Qantas remains the sole airline offering direct flights between Australia and continental Europe.

For further information about flying with Qantas, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Air transport industry sees reduced baggage mishandling despite record passenger traffic

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SITA reports a significant drop in the air transport industry’s baggage mishandling rate to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023, despite a surge in passenger numbers, highlighting the positive impact of technology investments.

SITA, a global leader in technology solutions for the air transport industry, has reported a significant improvement in the industry’s baggage handling performance. According to the newly released SITA Baggage IT Insights 2024, the rate of mishandled baggage has fallen from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023. This achievement comes despite passenger numbers exceeding 2019 levels for the first time in five years, reaching 5.2 billion.

The long-term trend highlights the positive impact of technology investments. Since 2007, the mishandling rate has plummeted by 63%, even as passenger traffic has surged by 111%. Nonetheless, the industry continues to face challenges, particularly in managing peak baggage volumes. The report underscores the necessity of advancing the industry’s digitalisation agenda, focusing on AI for data analysis and computer vision technology in automated baggage handling.

The push for improved baggage handling must include full automation, robust communication, and comprehensive visibility of each bag’s journey. SITA’s research reveals that passenger anxiety about delays and cancellations stood at 32% in 2023. The data shows that two-thirds of airlines now offer unassisted bag drop services, and 85% of airports provide self-service bag drop options. This shift reflects a growing industry demand for self-service technology to enhance passenger flows. Furthermore, passengers increasingly prefer to use their mobile phones throughout their journey, with 32% relying on bag collection information sent directly to their devices. Enhanced communication and visibility will foster greater adoption of digital self-service, giving passengers more control over their travel experience.

Collaboration remains crucial. While airlines and airports share baggage data, there is room for improvement. Currently, only 58% of airlines share data at baggage collection, whereas 66% of airports share baggage delivery data with airlines. SITA’s Baggage IT Insights survey cites IATA’s Resolution 753 initiative, which calls for full baggage tracking and real-time status data sharing across the baggage journey. Additionally, Airports Council International advocates for self-service, real-time communication, and visibility for passengers to reduce stress and anxiety.

David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, commented:

The improved mishandled baggage rate in 2023 is great news for passengers and for aviation. It’s especially impressive as global passenger traffic grew strongly in 2023 and is set to double by 2040. We clearly see from the SITA Baggage IT Insights results that baggage automation is the way forward, with more collaboration, more communication with passengers, and investments in new technologies such as AI and computer vision to make the journey smoother. From my own travel experiences, I can say this will be really welcome. Technologies like these are essential because they help us gather, integrate, and share data effectively. This means we can uncover important insights that make decision-making easier and more automated.

Regionally, the SITA Baggage IT Insights report reveals varying trends. In North America, the mishandling rate decreased modestly from 7.1 per 1,000 bags in 2007 to 5.8 in 2023. U.S. airlines achieved a 9% year-on-year reduction in mishandled baggage in 2023, attributed to increased frontline workers and investments in baggage equipment and IT.

In Europe, the region experienced the most significant long-term reduction globally, with the mishandling rate dropping from 16.6 per 1,000 bags in 2007 to 10.6 in 2023.

In Asia Pacific, the mishandling rate has remained steady at 3.0 per 1,000 bags in 2023, down slightly from 3.1 in 2007, representing the best performance globally. The report commends the region’s consistent success, despite recovery challenges, attributing this to effective digitalisation of baggage handling processes.

To book flights on any airline, worldwide, contact your Globall Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Lufthansa boosts flights for European Championships, flying fans to Germany

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Lufthansa is flying football fans to Germany for the European Championship with additional flights and special onboard experiences.

Lufthansa is set to fly football fans to Germany for the European Football Championship, with an additional 200,000 bookings recorded from 14 June to 14 July, and numerous extra flights scheduled, particularly between Germany and Great Britain.

Fanhansa flights: six A320s display the “Fanhansa” lettering

As excitement builds, Lufthansa has transformed six of its A320 aircraft into “Fanhansa” planes, fully decked out to immerse passengers in a football atmosphere from the moment they board. This includes themed headrests, food trays labelled “Breakfast for Champions” and special European Championship chocolates served on all flights.

Heiko Reitz, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Airlines, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm:

As a partner of the German men’s national soccer team, we are eagerly awaiting the event. We are particularly looking forward to flying soccer fans from all over the world to Germany.

For those keen to stay updated on match progress, Lufthansa offers a live ticker service on domestic German and European flights. Passengers on Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines can follow real-time match updates in German and English via the FlyNet® portal on their electronic devices, free of charge, throughout the tournament. This feature is also available on Lufthansa’s A350 flights with the new Allegris cabin interior and on Discover Airlines long-haul flights through the FlyNet® portal.

Additionally, passengers can enjoy player videos and quizzes featuring the German national team and gather information about the ten German host cities through the new Lufthansa Insights content system, accessible onboard. Flight crews will keep passengers updated with the latest scores during all Lufthansa flights.

Adding to the festive spirit, Lufthansa has introduced a special European fan scarf, symbolising the airline’s route network. This souvenir will be distributed free of charge at host city airports during Germany matches. A giant version of the scarf will adorn the facade of Terminal 2 in Munich, setting the tone for a summer of major events including the European Championships, European elections, and the Paris Olympic Games. The display will be visible until mid-August.

For more details on travelling to Germany during the European Championships, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Travelodge adds 635 rooms in Spain with latest hotel launches

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Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, is expanding its Spanish portfolio with five new hotels, adding 635 rooms to cater to business and leisure travellers.

Travelodge has expanded its presence in Spain by opening five new hotels in Alicante Puerto, Barcelona del Valles, Madrid Alcala de Henares, Malaga Aeropuerto and Murcia, adding a total of 635 rooms to its portfolio.

The hotels, which began operations under the Travelodge brand on 31 May, were acquired from Louvre Group. This addition enhances Travelodge’s Spanish portfolio, offering more choices for business and leisure travellers seeking quality, affordable accommodation across the country.

Travelodge’s expansion is part of a strategic development plan announced last year, based on extensive research by Christie & Co. The research highlighted Spain as a top global destination with a rapidly growing hotel market, but identified a gap in branded, budget-friendly accommodation in the midscale and economy segments. Travelodge’s long-term fixed lease model, which has been successful in the UK, aligns well with the needs of investors seeking stable income streams in Spain’s booming tourism industry.

Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge, stated,

We are delighted to expand our offering across Spain by opening these new hotels, including our first hotels in Alicante, Murcia, and Malaga, as well as adding to our existing estate in Madrid and Barcelona. Each location is carefully selected to suit the needs of the modern business and leisure traveller, and we look forward to welcoming our guests at these fantastic new additions to our growing hotel portfolio.

Travelodge has identified 20 target locations for further expansion, including major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, as well as popular tourist destinations such as Seville, Bilbao, and Palma Mallorca. This strategy aims to fill the gap in quality, affordable accommodation in these areas.

The management team in Spain, led by Ángel Beleño, who has extensive experience in the hotel sector, is focused on leveraging Travelodge’s established brand and operational expertise to grow its presence. Beleño joined Travelodge in 2013 and became General Director for Spain in 2014, bringing valuable insights from his previous roles at Meliá Hotels International and Barceló Hotels & Resorts.

With nearly four decades of expertise in operating budget hotels, Travelodge is well-positioned to offer investors and landlords a reliable long-term income stream in Spain, either through lease agreements or acquiring freeholds. Travelodge’s successful model and strong brand promise significant opportunities for further expansion in the Spanish market.

For more information on Travelodge properties in the UK or Spain please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Virgin Atlantic’s ruby anniversary: new products and experiences for loyal customers

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Forty years ago, on 22nd June 1984, Virgin Atlantic carried its first customers from London to New York, promising a travel experience that was both exciting and different.

Since then, the airline has continuously innovated and set itself apart in the travel industry. In June, Virgin Atlantic is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a series of unique initiatives designed to delight its customers.

To mark this milestone, a special 40th birthday logo inspired by the bold stripe on Virgin Atlantic’s first aircraft, Maiden Voyager, will appear on new products throughout June. This distinctive logo is just one of the many ways the airline is bringing a splash of colour to air travel, emphasising its commitment to personalised service delivered by its incredible team.

The celebrations begin at Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning London Heathrow Clubhouse, which first opened in 2006. Upper Class customers can unwind with a special 40th birthday beer, a zesty pale ale brewed in Wimbledon, available exclusively at the London Heathrow Clubhouse from 1st June. The beer features English Maris Otter and Cara malt, offering a juicy aroma and smooth finish.

Ruby celebrations: a range of commemoration comestibles

All Clubhouses will also feature a new cocktail named Maiden Voyager, a modern twist on the classic 80s ‘Woo Woo’ cocktail. This fruity concoction includes vodka, peach puree, fresh lime, grenadine, egg white, and peach bitters, providing a refreshing experience for travellers. To complement the celebratory drinks, a signature 40th birthday red velvet cake with whipped cream and berries will be served, along with hit 80s tracks to enhance the festive atmosphere.

In a nod to its rich history, Virgin Atlantic will display a collection of its cabin crew uniforms from the past four decades at the London Heathrow Clubhouse. This exhibit includes designs by Arabella Pollen, Elizabeth and David Emmanuel, John Rocha, and the current iconic uniform by the late Vivienne Westwood, which debuted in 2014.

Adding to the in-flight experience, Virgin Atlantic’s signature cocktail, the Virgin Redhead, will now be available onboard in all cabins. Complimentary in Upper Class and for purchase in Premium and Economy, this vibrant drink features gin, mixed berries, a twist of lemon, and a splash of prosecco, making it a delightful addition to the drinks menu.

The airline’s renowned Mile High Afternoon Tea is also getting a ruby-themed makeover. Upper Class customers will enjoy an elderflower and blueberry scone, a lemon and blackcurrant birthday cake slice, and a raspberry macaron with the 40th birthday logo. Premium and Economy customers will also have themed treats, including a refreshing glass of English sparkling wine and a selection of delectable cakes and pastries.

Finally, Virgin Atlantic has partnered with Bottega to offer limited-edition prosecco bottles featuring a bespoke 40th birthday design. Available in both 75cl and 20cl sizes, the larger bottles can be pre-ordered through Virgin Atlantic’s Retail Therapy, while the smaller bottles will be available for purchase onboard in all cabins starting late June.

Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Experience Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented on the celebrations:

As we gear up to our Ruby anniversary, we are delighted to celebrate this milestone with our loyal customers, in our Clubhouses and onboard. For four decades, we’ve been there for the moments that matter and are committed to giving our customers the very best experience in the skies.

In our 40th year, our spirit is stronger than ever and the things that set us apart will keep us ahead. We look forward to the next 40 years as we continue flying to some of the greatest cities on earth, finding new ways to delight our customers with brilliantly different experiences, delivered by our amazing people.

For more information about these exciting initiatives and to experience Virgin Atlantic’s exceptional service, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.