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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.
