Virgin Atlantic cashes in with business-class boost

Virgin Atlantic said passengers were flocking back to its upper class cabin after the airline plunged to a record £132 million loss last year.

Sir Richard Branson's long-haul carrier claimed that the British Airways strike had given Virgin's business-class cabin a huge boost, with 50,000 passengers switching airlines.

A spokesman said: "We see a huge spike on strike days but even after that we see switching because of the general level of uncertainty."

He said Virgin's share of the business-class market had risen five percentage points.

Since the year end in March revenues have risen 10% to £513 million in the first quarter — despite a £30 million ash cloud hit —with cargo revenue particularly strong, up 36% to £52 million.

Chief executive Steve Ridgeway said: "The start of the year has been particularly encouraging despite difficult trading conditions.

"Demand is picking up across the majority of our routes and forward bookings for the summer have been very positive."

The airline launched its new brand identity this week and has plans for a Manchester to Las Vegas route next year.

It is also taking delivery of five A330 Airbus planes.

A route to Accra in Ghana, launched in May, has got off to "a strong start".