Connect with us

Aviation

10 Interesting things you didn’t know about Virgin Airline.

10 Interesting things you didn't know about Virgin Airline.

1.In July 2017, Virgin Atlantic announced their intention to form a joint venture with Air France-KLM. Under the agreement, Air France-KLM will acquire a 31 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic currently held by Virgin Group.

The enhanced joint venture would establish a combined partnership with a duration of at least 15 years. In order to support the success of that cooperation:

Advertisement

Air France-KLM will acquire a 31 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic currently held by Virgin Group for £220 million.

Virgin Group will retain a 20 percent stake and Chairmanship.

Advertisement

2. Virgin produced the first film to be shot at 35,000ft on three commercial flights

In 2012, the romantic comedy Departure Date (starring Ben Feldman and Nicky Whelan) was filmed for eight days straight on flights between LA, London, and Sydney. As per the airline’s regulations, the film crew were only allowed two carry-ons each, and couldn’t film when the seat belt light came on. The cast and crew racked up a total of 28,358 miles, and some of the paying commercial passengers were featured as extras. Watch here.

Advertisement

3. Steve Fossett singlehandedly flew around the world in a Virgin plane 

The Scaled Composites Model 311 Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer (registered N277SF) is an aircraft designed by Burt Rutan in which Steve Fossett flew a solo nonstop airplane flight around the world in 2 days 19 hours and 1 minute (67 hours 1 minute) from February 28 to March 3, 2005. The flight speed of 590.7 kilometres per hour (367.0 mph) set the world record for the fastest nonstop non-refueled circumnavigation, beating the mark set by the previous Rutan-designed Voyager aircraft at 9 days 3 minutes and an average speed of 116 miles per hour (187 km/h).

Advertisement

The aircraft was owned by the pilot Steve Fossett, sponsored by Richard Branson’s airline, Virgin Atlantic, and built by Burt Rutan’s company, Scaled Composites. The two companies subsequently went on to work together on Virgin Galactic.

4. Delta Air Lines owns 49 percent of Virgin Atlantic

Advertisement

Yep. In June 2013, Delta Air Lines bought a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic from Singapore Airlines for $360 million. It might seem like a strange investment, but it’s well worth it for Delta, which now gets to fly its customers more frequently to London’s Heathrow Airport.

5. Virgin Atlantic. Humble with a Touch of Glamour.

Advertisement

Virgin Atlantic is the brainchild of the mildly eclectic CEO, Sir Richard Branson, but did you know it was never his intention to start an airline? Virgin Atlantic was actually born out of a truly magical love story. Sir Richard Branson was on his way from Puerto Rico to meet a beautiful woman in the British Virgin Islands but was unfortunately left stranded along with other passengers. In a momentary act of valour, Richard Branson hired a plane, wrote on a blackboard “Virgin Air, $39 single flight” and the thought of starting Virgin Atlantic was born.

6. Cats and dogs can earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points when they travel with Virgin Airlines.

Advertisement

Velocity Frequent Flyer, the award-winning loyalty program of Virgin Australia today launched Australia’s first frequent flyer program for pets.

Breaking new ground in the loyalty space, from today, Velocity members can now earn 300 Points each time their dog or cat flies on Virgin Australia’s expansive domestic network. Silver, Gold and Platinum members will also receive a special Points bonus.

Advertisement

Building on the program’s unique family benefits, today’s announcement makes Velocity the only frequent flyer program in Australia to recognize and reward four legged members of the family.

7. Virgin America was the first airline to make foldable boarding passes.

Advertisement

Boarding passes are stupid. They don’t fit in passports, or pockets, or wallets. And by the time you hand over your dog-eared, crumpled document to a clerk behind the check-in desk, you’re bound to get a disapproving sneer.

Well, everyone’s favorite airline Virgin America is finally offering the simple solution in the form of a sexy, fold-friendly boarding pass. The document includes personal details, flight number, departure and arrival time, gate and terminal, along with the cabin and seat allocation. And it fits right into your back pocket, because that makes sense, and it’s ridiculous no airline has done this before.

Advertisement

8. Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin America, owns his very own island.

Richard Branson had been madly trying to come up with a way to impress a girl he had fallen for, so he rang up the realtor, and expressed his interest. they were still in the early days of Virgin Records, and he by no means had the cash to buy an island. Luckily, the realtor didn’t know this and offered me an all-expenses paid trip to see the Islands that weekend. He agreed to go on one condition – if he could bring a guest.

Advertisement

when the realtor quoted the ‘discounted’ asking price of $6 million, Smitten with the unspoilt paradise, and keen to impress his new love, he offered the highest amount he could afford: $100,000. As you can imagine, the realtor was less than impressed, and left us high and dry to find our own way back home.

A year later, a charming man named Derek Dunlop arrived at his houseboat in London and explained that nobody else had made an offer on Necker, and that the owner of the Island was desperate to sell. Virgin Records was in a much better position than it had been a year before, so he quickly agreed to a purchase price of $180,000 – the only condition was that he would need to build a resort on the Island within four years.

Advertisement

9. Virgin Australia has been recognised as the most attractive employer in Australia in 2015 at the annual Randstad Award. It also placed in the top 3 for the last five years, including a top spot in 2011.

Amongst fierce competition, Virgin Australia has been named Australia’s Most Attractive Employer at the annual Randstad Award at Doltone House in Sydney.

Advertisement

With half of all Aussies (50%) claiming they would like to work for the aviation giant, Virgin Australia held off strong competition to edge out two-time winner, the ABC, who came in second place and the Department of Immigration & Border Protection who took out the third spot.

10. Virgin Defunct airlines

Advertisement
  • V Australia (Rebrand to Virgin Australia with Virgin Blue & Virgin Polynesia)
  • Virgin Nigeria (rebrand to Air Nigeria)
  • Virgin Express (rebrand to Brussels Airlines)
  • Virgin Express France
  • Virgin Sun (sold and merged into Air 2000)
  • Virgin Atlantic Little Red
  • Virgin Samoa

Middle East

British Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Abu Dhabi, After 4-Year hiatus

British Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Abu Dhabi, After 4-Year hiatus
Photo: Wikipedia

British Airways made its way back to Abu Dhabi, landing at Zayed International Airport. Following a four-year break in service, both crew and passengers were greeted with enthusiasm.

In the summer of 2024, British Airways plans to launch a daily route, utilising a Boeing 787-9, from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi. The new route enhances ties between the UAE and the UK and expands  vast worldwide network, catering to passengers who may be visiting friends and family or travelling for business.

Advertisement

Arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08.30+1, flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi leaves London Heathrow at 22.25. Departing at 10.10 and landing at London Heathrow at 15.20 is the inbound flight (BA072).

The chief executive officer and managing director of Abu Dhabi Airports, Elena Sorlini, stated: “We are delighted to welcome British Airways to Zayed International Airport. Their daily schedule is expected to improve connectivity and stimulate travel and business.” Visitors may experience the dynamic capital of the United Arab Emirates like never before at our brand-new, award-winning, state-of-the-art terminal, where they will be welcomed with the best kind of Emirati hospitality.”

Advertisement

Flight schedule:

London Heathrow (LHR) to Zayed International (AUH)All times are local
 
SeasonFlight numberDeparting LHRArriving AUHFlight numberDeparting AUHArriving LHR
Summer ‘24BA7322:2508:30+1BA7210:1015:20
Winter ‘24BA7322:2509:30+1BA7211:1015:20

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Aviation

FAA investigation: Passenger seated in Captain’s seat inside cockpit at cruising altitude

FAA investigation: Passenger seated in Captain's seat inside cockpit at cruising altitude

A viral video capturing a startling moment aboard a United Airlines charter flight from Denver to Toronto has triggered a federal investigation.

The footage, initially shared on social media by Hensley Meulens, the hitting coach for the Colorado Rockies baseball team, depicts a member of the coaching staff seated in one of the pilot seats while the aircraft was in mid-flight.

Advertisement

In his caption, Meulens expressed gratitude to the captain and first officer for allowing him this unusual experience. The video, filmed by another passenger, reveals the cockpit door open, and at one point, a third passenger briefly enters the flight deck. Alarmingly, during this time, the captain was absent from the cockpit.

Despite the flight being a private charter operated by United Airlines, company and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations strictly prohibit passengers from entering the cockpit during flight or leaving the flight deck unsecured.

Advertisement

United Airlines swiftly responded, expressing deep concern over the incident. A spokesperson emphasized that the video depicted an unauthorized person in the flight deck at cruising altitude with the autopilot engaged, constituting a clear violation of safety and operational policies.

The FAA confirmed that it is actively investigating the incident, highlighting that unauthorized access to the flight deck during flight is a violation of federal regulations. The agency assured that it is taking the matter seriously and will conduct a thorough examination to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Aviation

Israel vs Iran Military Power Comparison: Which country is stronger?

Explore the comparative analysis of Israel and Iran’s military capabilities. Delve into the strengths and strategic considerations of each nation to assess potential outcomes in the event of conflict.

Israel vs Iran Military Power Comparison: Which country is stronger?

In this article, we’ll delve into the power dynamics between Iran and Israel. With Israel launching multiple attacks on various Middle Eastern regions, both countries have initiated defensive measures against each other.

We’ll explore the respective features of both nations, although it’s important to note that the accuracy of the report may not align precisely with information from public domain sources.

Advertisement

Global Military Index ranking

According to the Military Power Index, Iran holds the 14th position while Israel holds the 17th. This index provides a direct comparison of the armed forces of the two nations. It suggests that Iran surpasses Israel in terms of manpower, as well as in the number of tanks and armed vehicles.

In the ongoing conflict, the world is divided into two sides: Israel and Iran. Countries in the Asian region, such as Russia, the Middle East, and China, strongly support Iran, as they are its main military suppliers. On the other hand, Israel receives its main backing from the United States and European countries.

Advertisement

Iran and Isreal Distance

Both countries, separated by neighboring nations like Iraq and Jordan, face a considerable distance between them. For attacks across such distances, they heavily rely on potent weaponry, especially through air-to-ground assaults.

Both possess formidable defense aircraft and military tanks, which undoubtedly influence the war’s outcome.

Advertisement

Given that the distance between Jerusalem and Tehran is approximately 1,850 kilometers (1,149 miles), conducting attacks over such long distances requires aircraft with extensive flying ranges.

Israel may lack the inherent power to reach Iran directly, necessitating mid-air refueling or the use of long-range missiles to execute such operations.

Advertisement

Which military is stronger Israel or Iran?


In terms of Israel, it boasts advanced technology in the defense sector, with a strong focus on both business and innovation. It serves as a key supplier of guided rockets and various critical weapons to the defense market. Many domestically-built military tankers and advanced weaponry have proven their efficacy on the battlefield.

Advertisement

Israel stands out as a significant defense equipment supplier, particularly due to strong support from NATO countries like the US, Europe, and the UK. This backing provides access to the most advanced fighter jets and technologies, including 5th-generation fighters.

Israel vs Iran Military Power Comparison: Which country is stronger?
Army Military Apache Helicopter Attack Chopper

Conversely, Iran faces challenges in acquiring the latest weaponry, relying heavily on Russian and Chinese technology, along with seized equipment from Iraq and Afghanistan, predominantly sourced from the United States.

Iran’s domestic development of aircraft has been limited, and maintenance is hindered by parts shortages. Additionally, disruptions in supply chains, particularly due to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, pose significant hurdles for Iran in acquiring military equipment.

Advertisement

However, Iran has made upgrades, particularly in ground-to-air attack munitions procured from Russia. These include long-range ballistic missiles capable of inflicting heavy damage on enemy territory.

Advertisement

How many fighter jets are in Israel & Iran?


When comparing air attack capabilities, Israel’s air force surpasses Iran’s in terms of aircraft quantity. According to the Global Firepower Index, Israel holds a clear advantage in air power. The Israeli army boasts a total of 612 fighter jets, whereas Iran possesses 551.

Advertisement

Israel operates a fleet of 75 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Additionally, they possess 58 Boeing F-15 Eagle jets. Moreover, Israel has 25 Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft in its arsenal.

Israel vs Iran Military Power Comparison: Which country is stronger?

Furthermore, the Israeli Air Force boasts 343 General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. Lastly, they maintain a fleet of 30 Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters.

Israel possesses numerous advanced fighter jets and military aircraft equipped with some of the most lethal weapons available.

Advertisement


Iran’s fighter aircraft inventory includes the Mikoyan MiG-29 acquired in 1991, 40 Grumman F-14 Tomcats, 20 Su-22s, 24 Chengdu J-7s, 23 Mirage F1s, and 60 McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs, showcasing its commitment to diverse defense capabilities.


Iran’s inventory primarily consists of outdated aircraft, many of which are around 20 years old. However, according to the Iran Defense Ministry, all aircraft are reportedly in good condition and deemed capable of meeting the challenges of any conflict

Advertisement

Advertisement

Iran’s and Israel’s Military Capabilities and personnel

According to the latest report, Israel’s active personnel count stands at 169,500, with an additional 465,000 individuals in reserve. Israel implements a significant policy whereby most young citizens are mandated to join the defense forces for several years to acquire skill sets essential for serving as reserved forces, ready to mobilize whenever required for defensive or offensive operations.

In comparison to Israel, Iran boasts a larger ground forces personnel count. Iran’s military comprises approximately 610,000 active-duty personnel, supplemented by 350,000 reserve and trained individuals available for mobilization as necessary.

Advertisement

This substantial manpower brings Iran’s total military strength to roughly 960,000 personnel, excluding figures for the Law Enforcement Command or Basij.

Advertisement

Does Israel have an air defense system?


Israel has developed some of the most advanced air defense systems globally, a response to the consistent threat of attacks from neighboring nations. The Iron Dome, renowned for its effectiveness, stands out as a prime example.

This smart air defense system has successfully intercepted numerous unexpected attacks on Israeli soil, with its capability to destroy incoming missiles mid-flight. Operating on constant alert, the Iron Dome swiftly neutralizes threats whenever they arise within the country’s borders.

Advertisement

Furthermore, Israel has invested heavily in enhancing its defense radar systems, enabling early detection of enemy activities from considerable distances. Pioneering in drone technology, Israel boasts the Heron pilotless planes, capable of enduring flights lasting over 30 hours, facilitating operations even in remote locations.

Additionally, Israel’s Delilah loitering munition, with an approximate range of 250 km (155 miles), though limited for operations beyond the Gulf, can be strategically deployed closer to Iran’s border by the Israeli Air Force, bridging the distance gap effectively.

Advertisement


Iran has collaborated with Russia and China to develop several air defense systems, bolstering its capabilities. Among these systems are multiple medium-range defense systems, such as the Arman, Tactical Sayyad, and Khordad-15. These systems are designed to safeguard Iranian airspace from threats at distances of up to 200 km (124 miles) and varying altitudes.

One notable system, the Arman, was unveiled in November 2022. It is strategically mounted on military trucks, enabling swift deployment within minutes to address potential threats effectively.

Advertisement

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Advertisement

Trending