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The United Kingdom, a significant aviation hub, has a diverse air travel landscape with 25 airlines operating commercially within its borders. Two of the country's most recognized airlines are Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. Virgin Atlantic, initially branded as British Atlantic Airways before its acquisition by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, operates long-haul flights from London Heathrow and Manchester using a fleet of 45 aircraft. British Airways, the UK's flag carrier, possesses a fleet of over 250 aircraft with its primary base at London Heathrow, a major global hub. Additionally, British Airways operates subsidiaries such as BA Cityflyer and BA Euroflyer.
In the budget airline category, easyJet is the leading low-cost carrier in the UK, maintaining its largest operational base at Gatwick with a fleet of over 300 aircraft. Jet2.com, based in Leeds, follows as the country's second-largest budget airline, operating charter and scheduled flights primarily with Boeing 737s and increasing its fleet of Airbus A321neos.
The UK also hosts several regional carriers, with Loganair being notable for operating the world's shortest flight in Scotland. Other regional airlines such as Aurigny, Blue Island, Eastern Airways, Directflight, and Isles of Scilly SkyBus provide essential services to parts of the UK separated by water or difficult terrain.
