On June 22, 2024, Virgin Atlantic will celebrate their 40th birthday, marking four decades of travel industry innovation. In celebration of the airline’s Ruby anniversary, customers will enjoy tasty treats and surprises throughout June.
On Thursday (May 31, 2024), Virgin Atlantic outlined plans for their 40th anniversary, which will officially be marked on June 22, 2024. To celebrate the milestone occasion, guests traveling with the carrier throughout June will enjoy tasty treats and special surprises. A special Ruby anniversary logo will also debut, inspired by Virgin Atlantic’s heritage and first aircraft. For four decades, the carrier has prided itself on providing guests with choice, and a unique personalized experience. On June 22, 1984, Virgin Atlantic carried their first customers from London to New York, promising something different and exciting.
In Friday’s announcement, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Experience Officer, Siobhan Fitzpatrick, said,
“As we gear up to our Ruby anniversary, we are delighted to celebrate this milestone with our loyal customers, in our Clubhouses and onboard. For four decades, we’ve been there for the moments that matter and are committed to giving our customers the very best experience in the skies. In our 40th year, our spirit is stronger than ever and the things that set us apart will keep us ahead. We look forward to the next 40 years as we continue flying to some of the greatest cities on earth, finding new ways to delight our customers with brilliantly different experiences, delivered by our amazing people.”
As part of the celebrations, Upper Class customers visiting Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning London Heathrow Clubhouse will be able to sit back and relax with a special 40th birthday beer. From June 1st, 2024, the special brew will be available exclusively at the London Heathrow Clubhouse. Brewed in Wimbledon with English Maris Otter and Cara malt, the beer is a zesty pale ale with a juicy aroma and a smooth finish.
All clubhouses will feature a new, carefully curated cocktail from June 1st called ‘Maiden Voyager’, in honor of the carrier’s first flight between London and New York-Newark in 1984. Maiden Voyager is a modern take on the iconic 80s ‘Woo Woo’ cocktail, and includes vodka, peach puree, fresh lime, grenadine, egg white and peach bitters.
Naturally, a birthday celebration wouldn’t be complete without music and cake, so a 40th birthday cake will be served across all Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses. For the special Ruby anniversary, a red velvet sponge cake with whipped cream and berries will be served. Clubhouse guests will also enjoy a nostalgic 1980s music flashback with specially curated playlists featuring the top hits of the decade. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic will mark their Ruby anniversary with a magnificent display of cabin crew uniforms from the last 40 years. The collection will take pride of place in the carrier’s London Heathrow Clubhouse, showcasing iconic uniforms designed by Arabella Pollen, Elizabeth and David Emmanuel and John Rocha, as well as the current design, which debuted in 2014, honoring the late Vivienne Westwood.
Additionally, Virgin Atlantic’s signature ‘Virgin Redhead’ cocktail will be available in all cabins for the first time. The cocktail will be complimentary in Upper Class, available for purchase in Premium and Economy, and will now be a permanent addition to the onboard drinks menu. A long-time favorite in the Clubhouse, the tasty libation will make its onboard debut with bright red flair, featuring gin, mixed berries, a twist of lemon and a pop of prosecco.
Virgin Atlantic’s Mile High Tea will also be getting a Ruby makeover. Upper Class Guests can enjoy their tea accompanied by savory finger sandwiches, elderflower & blueberry scones, a lemon and blackcurrant slice of birthday cake with a white chocolate disc, and edible flowers, and a raspberry macaron with the airline’s 40th birthday logo topper. Upper Class and Premium Mile High Teas will also be served alongside a Virgin Redhead. The raspberry macaroon will also be served in Premium along with a lemon and bergamot polenta mini cake. Economy Class guests will enjoy a refreshing glass of English sparkling wine by The Uncommon, accompanied by a beetroot mini bagel, warm scone and lemon drizzle birthday cake topped by Funfetti.
Finally, Virgin Atlantic has partnered with Bottega to release limited edition prosecco bottles available in 75cl and 20cl, featuring a bespoke 40th anniversary design. The large bottles will be available for pre-order through Virgin Atlantic’s Retail Therapy, while the small bottles can be purchased onboard in all cabins from late June.
Founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, Virgin Atlantic has brought innovation and the highest level of customer care to the airline industry. The carrier was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX in 2023 for the seventh consecutive year. Headquartered in London, Virgin Atlantic employs over 8,500 team members worldwide. The airline currently serves 30 destinations across four continents. Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading network between the US and UK, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. Virgin Atlantic is a member of the global SkyTeam alliance.
Source: Virgin Atlantic