UK supports two full-service carriers unlike any other European country

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Global Industry News

UK supports two full-service carriers unlike any other European country

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British Airways and Virgin Atlantic aircraft | Provided photo

By Sky Industry News

Jan 30, 2025

In the European aviation market, legacy carriers dominate with their extensive networks and membership in global alliances. Typically, each nation hosts a single legacy carrier, such as Lufthansa in Germany or Air France in France. However, the United Kingdom stands out as an exception with two major legacy airlines: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

British Airways is a long-established flag carrier of the UK and a member of the Oneworld alliance. It operates from its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), providing a wide range of short-haul and long-haul services worldwide.

On the other hand, Virgin Atlantic emerged from Richard Branson's Virgin Group as a significant player in the UK market. Despite lacking a short-haul network, it compensates through partnerships with SkyTeam carriers across Europe. Virgin Atlantic offers business-class cabins and lounges targeting business travelers and joined the SkyTeam alliance in 2023.

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Virgin Atlantic's history began in 1984 when Randolph Fields and Alan Hellary founded British Atlantic Airways. After initial setbacks, they partnered with Richard Branson who rebranded it as Virgin Atlantic. The airline quickly gained traction, launching its first flight between Gatwick and Newark Liberty International Airport on June 22nd, 1984.

The rivalry between British Airways and Virgin Atlantic intensified when Virgin entered Heathrow's market. British Airways attempted to undermine Virgin's reputation through what became known as the "dirty tricks" campaign, resulting in a lawsuit that Virgin won.

Despite financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Virgin Atlantic secured over $1.3 billion to avoid bankruptcy and introduced cargo operations for additional revenue. Today, it remains an influential legacy carrier alongside British Airways.

The success of both airlines highlights how competition benefits customers by offering more options and potentially lower fares.

Organizations Included in this History

Simple Flying

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