Virgin Atlantic celebrates a year of upper class wing

Virgin Atlantic has celebrated the first anniversary of its upper class wing at Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport.

The success of the private check-in and security channel has led to Virgin Atlantic attracting 11 per cent more business class passengers travelling from Heathrow Airport over the past 12 months.

Upper class customers flying with Virgin Atlantic are now offered a 40-minute minimum check-in time at London Heathrow, which is reportedly faster than British Airways' offering at Terminal 5.

Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway said the airline is "very proud" of its "amazing facility".

He added: "The first year for the upper class wing has been a real success – the appeal of such a slick airport experience has obviously attracted many more business travellers.

"It is clear that our investment in T3 has paid off and we are delighted that passengers agree."

According to Virgin Atlantic research, 98 per cent of travellers who have used the upper class wing rated the facility as "excellent" or "good".

• Less than a week until Esta launch
• US connecting flights proving popular at Bristol Airport
• Record year for London City Airport
• Virgin Atlantic to celebrate 25th year
• Record passenger growth for Etihad in 2008
• KLM to turn 90 this year
• Continental to launch new Heathrow flights
• Aer Lingus to launch flights from Gatwick Airport
• British Airways orders 11 new aircraft
• Milestone reached in Birmingham Airport pier project