Virgin Atlantic is kicking off their 40th anniversary with the naming of their newest Airbus A330neo, registration G-VSRB, ‘Ruby Rebel’ in honor of the company’s founder Sir Richard Branson. The carrier’s official 40th anniversary is on June 22, 2024.
On Monday (March 25, 2024), Virgin Atlantic announced that in celebration of their 40th birthday, which will be officially marked on June 22, 2024, the carrier has named their newest Airbus A330neo ‘Ruby Rebel.’ The aircraft, registration G-VSRB, has been named in honor of the company’s Founder, Sir Richard Branson. Virgin Atlantic’s fifth new Airbus A330neo will enter passenger revenue service from May 2024, and will feature a brand-new flying icon, inspired by Sir Richard and the rebellious spirit that has always driven Virgin Atlantic to do things differently.
In Monday’s announcement, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, Shai Weiss, said,
“Forty years ago, Virgin Atlantic flew our first customers between London and New York offering something different and realising 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.”
Also commenting on the airline’s upcoming milestone 40th anniversary, Virgin Atlantic’s Founder and President, Sir Richard Branson, said,
“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.”
Livery Details of Virgin Atlantic’s Newest Airbus A330neo, Registration G-VSRB, ‘Ruby Rebel.’ – Courtesy Virgin Atlantic
The new flying icon, inspired by Holly Branson, also includes nods to Sir Richard’s career and business ventures through the use of design elements including Virgin Records pin badges, a Tubular Bells charm bracelet, a Virgin Galactic rocket belt buckle and a Virgin Voyages anchor on the icon’s boot. A second bracelet features the letters J, S, and H, as a sweet gesture to his wife Joan and children Sam and Holly. The icon’s punk styling reflects the carrier’s legendary Vivienne Westwood uniform, still rocked by cabin crew today. Ruby Rebel symbolizes Virgin Atlantic’s desire to do things differently, since their first aircraft, Maiden Voyager, departed London for New York in 1984.
Source: Virgin Atlantic