On June 22,2024 Virgin Atlantic will be turning 40. In celebration of the transatlantic carrier’s 40th birthday, their fifth Airbus A330neo cleverly named Ruby Rebel will take to the skies paying homage to Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson. Now the airline did not go with a random boring registration for Ruby Rebel. Instead, Virgin Atlantic came up with the cleaver registration of G-VSRB. The new aircraft is expected to enter service in May 2024.
Symbolizing The Desire To Do Things Differently
Virgin Atlantic has always done things a bit differently. It is immediately apparent when stepping aboard their new aircraft with one of a kind features like the loft onboard lounge area, purple mood lighting throughout the cabin or the retreat suites. Throughout the airline’s 40 year history many “do it differently” feats have been accomplished including being the first airline to introduce seat back TVs, a Premium cabin and fleet wide Wi-Fi. Ruby Rebel will symbolize this approach with symbolic designs throughout. The Ruby icon pays tribute to Sir Richard Branson’s business ventures including Virgin Records pin badges, a Tubular Bells charm bracelet, a Virgin Galactic rocket on the belt’s buckle and a Virgin Voyages anchor on icons boot. An additional bracelet features the the letters J, S, and H paying homage to Sir Richard Branson’s wife Joan and children Holly and Sam.
Shai Weiss, CEO Virgin Atlantic commented saying, “Forty years ago, Virgin Atlantic flew our first customers between London and New York offering something different and realizing our purpose to ensure everyone can take on the world. As we gear up to mark our Ruby anniversary in June, it’s an opportunity to look ahead to the next forty years. “So much has changed, but the one thing that’s remained constant is our incredible people and their unique red spirit, the red thread that keeps us flying miles above the rest. It all started with Richard on 22 June 1984, a pioneer with a vision to shake up the travel industry, putting people first and giving customers a choice. Ruby Rebel embodies the rebellious spirit that’s always driven us to do things differently. And, the best is yet to come.”
Virgin Atlantic Founder and President Richard Branson commented, “When starting Virgin Atlantic, I went against everyone’s advice – and on paper they were right. They knew we’d be a tiny airline against much bigger players. But my attitude is that if you can create something that’s better than what everybody else is offering, then you have a chance of succeeding. Virgin Atlantic was created to provide a bright red, fun, friendly, fabulous choice that made flying better for everyone. We worked out in 1984 all the things we could do differently, from our planes, our Clubhouses, our in-flight experience and most importantly our people. Now, 40 years later that rebellious spirit lives on and will continue to drive us forward as we shake up the aviation industry for the next 40 years and beyond.” The airline has accomplished many great feats in the past 40 years. In the years ahead it will be exciting to see how the airline evolves in the lucrative transatlantic market.