Virgin Atlantic was launched in 1984 after a partnership was formed between (now Sir) Richard Branson and Randolph Fields and Alan Hellary after Fields and Hellary had attempted and failed to launch their own airline, British Atlantic Airways in 1982.

On the second attempt to launch, they approached Richard Branson for funding for the project.

After lengthy discussions and negotiations, an agreement was reached and the airline was renamed Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Virgin Atlantic operated its first flight on June 22nd 1984 from London Gatwick to New York - Newark airport, using a B747-200. For 2 years, this was Virgins' only route and aircraft.

From 1986 onwards, the route network and fleet started to grow. Virgin acquired more B747's, and added more routes in the USA.

In 1989 the first non USA route was launched to Tokyo.

Virgin eventually gained access to London Heathrow in 1991 and more new routes were launched.

In 1994 Virgin recieved there first brand new B747-400 aircraft G-VFAB "Lady Penelope". This would be the first of 13 of the type between 1994 and 2003.

In 1996, Virgin then took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft, a A340-300.

In the same year, Virgin launched its first flights from Manchester Airport using the A340 on the new Manchester to Orlando route.

In 1999, Virgin sold 49% of the airline to Singapore Airlines.

In 2002, Virgin was the first customer for the new A340-600 (a stretched A340, longer than a B747!). This would be the first of  24 oredered.

The last Boeing 747 "Classic" (the B747-200) was retired from the fleet in 2005 after operating a flight from Orlando to Manchester on May 31st. However, Virgin does still have 2 "Classics" that are stored awaiting their fate...

This meant that G-VFAB the B747-400, delivered in 1994, was now Virgin's oldest aircraft.

Virgin has ordered 6 A380 super jumbos and is currently looking at further fleet expansion/replacement.

Virgin now operates routes to every continent except South America and employs around 8500 staff.