Happy Birthday! Virgin Atlantic celebrates 25 year milestone

Cutting the cake

On 22 June 1984, Virgin Atlantic launched its inaugural flight, VS1 from Gatwick to Newark, New Jersey.

Now 25 years later, Virgin has decided to celebrate its milestone birthday by recreating its maiden flight, which was considered a miracle at the time having been planned in just a few weeks.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, was joined onboard the celebratory flight today by frequent travellers, travel trade VIPs and a host of special guests including fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, international cricketer Kevin Pietersen and his wife, former Liberty X singer Jessica, as well as Ian Botham and Christopher Biggins, who was a passenger on the very first Virgin Atlantic flight 25 years ago.

In Sydney, Virgin Atlantic kicked off the birthday celebrations with an all day 1980s-themed party at its city office and at Sydney airport. 

Airline staff have dressed up in their best 80's attire and some lucky passengers travelling to Hong Kong and London today will receive an upgrade to upper class or premium economy as a special birthday gift from Sir Richard Branson himself.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic spoke about reaching the significant 25 year milestone.

"I am so proud of what we have achieved in the last 25 years.  It is a tribute to the staff of Virgin Atlantic that we are in the leading position we are in today. 

“It seems a long time ago that we took that first flight in 1984, and so much has been achieved since then.

Blast from the Past: Virgin Atlantic staff party 80s-style

“We would like to thank the millions of travellers that have put their faith in us and the thousands of staff who have created such a great airline."

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic also said a few words on Monday to mark the occasion, "Today’s milestone is a huge accomplishment for Virgin Atlantic. 

“In the last 25 years, our 8500 staff worldwide have helped us build a fantastic airline against all the odds, whether battling with our competitors or enduring the ups and downs of the aviation industry.

“Since 1984 Virgin Atlantic has grown up a lot but thanks to the creativity, enthusiasm and hard work of our staff, we are definitely still red hot!"

Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a special birthday message to the airline: "I'm delighted to congratulate Virgin Atlantic on their 25th anniversary. Britain is rightly proud of having the world's most innovative and competitive airlines.

“Virgin Atlantic and Richard Branson's vision and pioneering spirit have changed the global airline business over the last twenty-five years.

“People can now afford to fly to places they previously only dreamt of. Aviation underpins our economic well-being.

“Virgin Atlantic is now also at the forefront of developing new technologies to meet the challenge of climate change.

“May this pioneering spirit continue throughout your second quarter century."

Guests onboard the special birthday flight enjoyed a taste of the 1980s, with specially themed music and meals designed with an 80s twist. 

Guests will enjoy the movie 'Airplane', which was famously shown on the airline's first ever flight and entertainers will ensure that passengers ensure that everyone is in the party spirit. 

Once in New York guests will be invited to the exclusive Virgin Atlantic Red Hot Birthday Party in Manhattan.

Over 65 million passengers have chosen to travel with Virgin Atlantic since its launch in 1984.

The airline now operates 38 aircraft in 30 destinations around the world, from its main bases at London Heathrow and London Gatwick, using a modern, young fleet of Airbus A340 and Boeing 747 aircraft.