Virgin Atlantic wins customer service award

Virgin Atlantic has won what it describes as a "top industry award" for its customer service.

The airline was named the leading company in the transport sector in the latest national index of consumer satisfaction compiled by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS).

A poll of some 24,000 people was carried out to measure companies' quality of customer service, with respondents asked to assess areas such as complaint handling, professionalism and staff friendliness.

Virgin Atlantic scored an overall index rating of 79 out of 100, meaning it beat Eurotunnel and British Airways to the top spot in the transport section.

Steve Ridgway, chief executive of the airline, said the company was "proud and delighted" to have picked up the ICS award.

Virgin Atlantic, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, offers flights to 30 long-haul destinations from its bases at Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.

The locations in the airline's network range from New York, Miami and Barbados to Dubai, Tokyo and Sydney.

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