Explored: All 16 Airlines Operating Narrowbody North American Transatlantic Flights In June
One of the most instantly recognizable airlines in the world just hit a major milestone in their history with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Virginia Atlantic celebrated its 35th anniversary of operations at LAX on May 17. The world-famous brand has been flying to LA direct from Long for over three decades now, and with the addition of new Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliner , it shows no signs of slowing down.
Virgin Atlantic
IATA/ICAO Code VS/VIR Airline Type Full Service Carrier Hub(s) London Heathrow Airport Year Founded 1984 CEO Shai Weiss Country United Kingdom Expand
Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson invested in Virgin Atlantic in 1984, salvaging the airline from a troubled American operation, and the first flight took off in 1984 when a leased Boeing 747-200 left London Gatwick Airport (LGW) for New York. The first flights to LA would follow shortly after, establishing not only an exceptionally popular air bridge for American and British fliers alike, but a cultural connection that has endured decades.
Decades Of Fun Flying
As Virgin Atlantic's motto declares, the United Kingdom-based airline aims to make flying fun as its core business model. That philosophy has not only led the brand to financial success but also fame for its innovation and fun!
From collaborations with the Spice Girls to Aviation Gin, Branson's roots in the music industry have made Virgin Atlantic hit the headlines countless times over the years, according to the company. The red and white paint schemes paired with famous red uniforms have made the Virgin Atlantic team a standout at the busy LAX hub. Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said:
"Over the years we've had incredible support from our partners including Los Angeles World Airports and the Delta Air Lines at their LAX hub."
Virgin Atlantic At A Glance
Virgin Atlantic has benefited from its owner's experience in the music industry since its founding. As Aerotime reported, the brand is innovative and doesn't settle for less than the best, and it started out with immediate international attention in an industry that was still dominated by legacy carriers at the time. Devoted to providing a better travel experience, Virgin Atlantic was the first to offer an in-flight bar, and it was the first to give each passenger their own entertainment screen.
Flight to Los Angeles began in 1990, just a few years after the first Boeing 747s were added to the Virgin Atlantic fleet. The iconic livery of "The Flying Lady" has been seen at LAX almost daily for over 30 years. The airline even updated the livery a few years ago, renamed to "Flying Icons" in 2019 to feature both men and women.
Virgin Atlantic continues to invest in its operations at LAX, as Simple Flying's Channing Reid previously reported, they opened a newly upgraded lounge in March 2025. The new LAX Clubhouse is stylized in a glamorous homage to Hollywood with a theme that pulls directly from Tower Records' legacy.
Virgin Atlantic's LAX Clubhouse services:
Stay Connected
Wireless charging, Wi-Fi and plenty of plug-in points.
Seating to suit your mood
Business, solo flying, and group lounge arrangements.
The Wing
A light-filled retreat with private acoustically sealed work studios.
The Ruby Room
Catch a movie on the cinema screen in a world of old-school Hollywood glamour, or for visiting VIPs, The Royal Box is an exclusive booth.
The Zen Den
A private space for a pre-flight refresh, a guided meditation, or even your own personal disco.
Related 5 Things To Know About Virgin Atlantic's Flying Ladies Icons
These icons have been around for decades.
Posts The Man, The Myth, The Legend
At the age of sixteen, legendary businessman Richard Branson launched his first venture with a magazine named Student. Virgin Records expanded quickly in the 1980s, and a mail-order record company was later established. Buckingham Palace knighted him in 2000 for "services to entrepreneurship." Branson's contributions to shopping, music, transportation, adventure, and humanitarian causes.
He established Virgin Galactic in 2004 with the SpaceShipTwo suborbital spacecraft intended for space tourism. He was listed among the Time 100 Most Influential People in the world in 2007. When Branson, then 70, boarded Virgin Galactic Unity 22 in July 2021, he became the third-oldest person to fly to space.