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VIRGIN ATLANTIC LAUNCHES NEW GATWICK

CLUBHOUSE FEATURING A LUXURIOUS COWSHED
SPA FOR ITS UPPER CLASS PASSENGERS

Features include the haven of the Cowshed spa and rock garden

Business Area and Entertainment Lounge featuring Wii stations

Family Lounge with magnetic shapes and playground

Restaurant and bar with lipstick elements of Virgin red

Virgin Atlantic today unveiled exactly what premium leisure travellers have been waiting for - a
new Clubhouse at Gatwick featuring a luxurious Cowshed Spa. The new Clubhouse, which is
over 795 square metres in total, has re-opened after a complete refurbishment. The lounge has
been created by London based architectural practice FDArchitecture in collaboration with the
Virgin Atlantic in-house design team.
The airline's new Clubhouse creates a fresh, welcoming feel for Upper Class and Gold Card
passengers and is a great place to relax on a lazy morning before a flight.
With seating for 130 passengers, the Clubhouse offers a choice of areas to cater for different
needs. Whether passengers want to read a newspaper, watch the aircraft, settle down to brunch,
have a treatment in the Cowshed Spa or hide away and catch up with the internet before they jet
off, the new lounge has it all.
Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, said:
"The new Gatwick Clubhouse has to be the ultimate pre-flight experience for Upper Class and
Gold Card customers. Our award-winning Clubhouses have always led the industry by offering
luxury and innovation, and now we have introduced some of the best elements of our flagship
Heathrow Clubhouse, such as the luxurious Cowshed spa, at Gatwick."
Joe Ferry, Head of Design at Virgin Atlantic added:
"Virgin Atlantics new-look Clubhouse brings it up to the latest design standards that are

synonymous with our multi-award winning products, service and interiors. This generation of
Clubhouse has been designed with Service Design and Architectural Design working in harmony
to produce the best possible customer experience."
The new Clubhouse also continues to support Virgin Atlantics sustainability targets. The
Clubhouse uses generous expanses of FSC timber flooring to wind through and connect the
magnificent facilities on offer to passengers. The 100% woollen carpets are specified with low
chemical emissions, enhancing the cleanliness of the Clubhouse environment whilst providing an
extremely durable finish and our site waste management programme has reduced construction
waste on site by some 40% through considered prefabrication of much of the furniture, fixtures
and fittings.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC LAUNCHES NEW GATWICK

CLUBHOUSE FEATURING A LUXURIOUS COWSHED
SPA FOR ITS UPPER CLASS PASSENGERS

Features include the haven of the Cowshed spa and rock garden

Business Area and Entertainment Lounge featuring Wii stations

Family Lounge with magnetic shapes and playground

Restaurant and bar with lipstick elements of Virgin red

Virgin Atlantic today unveiled exactly what premium leisure travellers have been waiting for - a
new Clubhouse at Gatwick featuring a luxurious Cowshed Spa. The new Clubhouse, which is
over 795 square metres in total, has re-opened after a complete refurbishment. The lounge has
been created by London based architectural practice FDArchitecture in collaboration with the
Virgin Atlantic in-house design team.
The airline's new Clubhouse creates a fresh, welcoming feel for Upper Class and Gold Card
passengers and is a great place to relax on a lazy morning before a flight.
With seating for 130 passengers, the Clubhouse offers a choice of areas to cater for different
needs. Whether passengers want to read a newspaper, watch the aircraft, settle down to brunch,
have a treatment in the Cowshed Spa or hide away and catch up with the internet before they jet
off, the new lounge has it all.
Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, said:
"The new Gatwick Clubhouse has to be the ultimate pre-flight experience for Upper Class and
Gold Card customers. Our award-winning Clubhouses have always led the industry by offering
luxury and innovation, and now we have introduced some of the best elements of our flagship

Heathrow Clubhouse, such as the luxurious Cowshed spa, at Gatwick."

Joe Ferry, Head of Design at Virgin Atlantic added:
"Virgin Atlantics new-look Clubhouse brings it up to the latest design standards that are
synonymous with our multi-award winning products, service and interiors. This generation of
Clubhouse has been designed with Service Design and Architectural Design working in harmony
to produce the best possible customer experience."
The new Clubhouse also continues to support Virgin Atlantics sustainability targets. The
Clubhouse uses generous expanses of FSC timber flooring to wind through and connect the
magnificent facilities on offer to passengers. The 100% woollen carpets are specified with low
chemical emissions, enhancing the cleanliness of the Clubhouse environment whilst providing an
extremely durable finish and our site waste management programme has reduced construction
waste on site by some 40% through considered prefabrication of much of the furniture, fixtures
and fittings.
THE DETAILS
Concierge and Reception Entrance to the Clubhouse is now through a new, light, private
corridor leading directly to our welcoming reception and concierge area. Passengers simply
register with reception and then walk on through into the lounge. Adjacent to the new entrance
are shoe shine, coat and baggage areas where passengers can unburden themselves of bags and
buggies. If needed, there are also facilities to charge mobile phones, iPods and Blackberries in
this area, with our concierge team on hand to manage all of our passengers needs.
The Restaurant & Lounge Leather-clad timber Eames dining chairs provide classic comfort
within the waiter-serviced restaurant, or passengers can relax in the main lounge in the luxurious
upholstery of the new banquette seating. A comfortable selection of Turtle lounge chairs by
Pearson Lloyd and Roberto Romanello's Delta chairs, cluster around Fritz Hansen tables,
providing flexibility for groups of all sizes. Finishes and furniture are contemporary in shades of
chocolate, tans and taupe with ?lipstick elements of Virgin red.
At The Bar passengers can also enjoy a refreshing drink at the beautiful oak and granite clad bar
whilst enjoying the comfort of the Harry Bertoia Wire bar stools.
A backdrop of fret-cut Alucobond panels flow from the Bar throughout the Clubhouse.
The addition of the Cowshed Spa and Internal Rock Garden provides a beautiful new focal
point for the Clubhouse. With its porcelain slates, natural stone mosaic floors and black glass
mosaic tiled walls, passengers will instantly feel like they have entered a haven of tranquillity
and luxury in the Cowshed Spa. Sitting alongside is a new internal rock garden, which is flooded
with natural daylight and lined with vintage Cole & Son naturally themed wallpaper all
providing an oasis of calm for travellers. Cowshed also offers a variety of treatments to
passengers, whether its a gentle massage, a luxurious manicure or pedicure, all using Cowsheds
acclaimed 100% natural products, or more traditional showering facilities.

Passengers can again enjoy the comfort of the sophisticated choice of furniture, whether it be
Harry Bertoia's Wire chairs at the nail bar, or relaxing in George Nelsons Coconut chairs, Arne
Jacobsens Egg chairs and Willi Guhls Loop chairs in the Garden.
The new Entertainment Lounge and Business Area offers passengers the luxury of woollen
aubergine carpets and silver fabric lined walls. An opportunity to relax in Oscar chairs, and Kab
chairs by Karim Rashid, whilst catching up on last minute emails or surfing the net in the
Internet Forest. Our younger passengers can enjoy gaming in the Wii and Guitar Hero areas
whilst perching on Morphs Ten Degree stools.
Our Family Lounge is flooded with natural light and provides the perfect area to relax in Delta
chairs whilst toddlers play and learn nearby in a dedicated Playground. The brightly decorated
room has a selection of toys and games, including classic Eames elephants and wishing tree, for
younger children, and TV with dedicated childrens channels showing through out the day.
In The Snug passengers can enjoy the opportunity to catch up on the latest TV, news or movies
in our flexible Snug, boasting a smoked black mirror wall cladding, naturally inspired movable
woven screens, and a gallery of inspirational artwork curated by jottaContemporary, who identify
young and emerging artists from the creative community jotta.com.
Travellers can relax in the Mini George chairs designed by Stefano Gallizioli, whilst the flexible
screens allow them to change the environment to their requirements if they require more privacy.
Jeremy Brown, Senior Design Manager, commented:
"The design of the Gatwick Clubhouse perfectly captures Virgin Atlantics ethos; it's
sophisticated, stylish, and fun. A challenging brief has been answered by providing the relaxation
of a Sunday morning, whether its a secluded, luxurious area to relax and enjoy the wonderful
service and views, or a haven of tranquillity to allow our passengers to be pampered before
boarding their flight. We know our customers will have a unique and memorable experience."
The Clubhouse is nothing without great service. We have defined waiter points at the bar and by
the Snug area. The whole environment comes together with our staff to create a Sunday morning
every day of a week.
For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on 01293
747373 or log ontowww.virginatlantic.com
Gatwick Clubhouse Contractors and Suppliers
Architects FDArchitecture
Main Contractor Cardy Construction

M & E Consultant EEP

Quantity Surveyor PT Projects
Virgin Atlantics in house design team
Joe Ferry Head of Design
Jeremy Brown Senior Design Manager
Callie Tedder-Hares Senior Designer

THE ENVIRONMENT...
At Virgin Atlantic we're committed to reducing our environmental impacts where we
can.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC'S SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE

Virgin Atlantic is committed to reducing our environmental impacts where we can by becoming
a more efficient business, leading the industry to practical and technical solutions and engaging,
inspiring and empowering our staff and customers to help us meet this challenge.
Find out more about what we're doing by using the links below:

TO SUSTAINABILITY... AND BEYOND!

At Virgin Atlantic, were taking practical steps to make our business as sustainable
as possible.

..AND BEYOND!
When you love something, you want it to go on forever.
We love flying and you love travelling, but right now the over-riding priority for all of
us is the future of our fragile planet.
So, at Virgin Atlantic, were taking practical steps to make our business as
sustainable as possible. Below are steps 1 to 15 of our manifesto. You can view
steps 16 to 29 here.

This is our flight plan

1, TO WORK TIRELESSLY
To work tirelessly to promote truly sustainable, lower carbon biofuels for the aviation
industry. Read more about biojet fuel initiative.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC IS THE FIRST AIRLINE TO OPERATE

DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT USING A BIOFUEL BLEND
On 24 February 2008, Virgin Atlantic became the first airline in the world to operate
a commercial aircraft on a biofuel blend. The Boeing 747 flew a short flight from
London to Amsterdam, using a 20% biofuel/80% kerosene blend in one of its four
engines.
A change is in the air.
Whilst the biofuel we used for our demo flight probably isnt what will be used by
the industry long-term, we wanted to make a visible demonstration of our
commitment to find a sustainable alternative to traditional crude-oil based
kerosene. We proved to a sometimes sceptical industry that it is possible to
replicate the very strict performance characteristics of normal jet fuel (e.g. a -47C
freeze point so it can cope at altitude and a high energy density) using a
combination of coconut oil and babassu nut oil, both sustainably cultivated crops.
Sustainable biofuel must be environmentally, socially and economically
sustainable.
Within the next decade we expect to see a significant
contribution from second generation biofuels, made from truly
sustainable second generation feedstocks such as algae or
using waste biomass like woodchips, towards aviations fuel
needs. We're defining "sustainable" here in the broadest sense
- environmentally (has lower life cycle carbon emissions and
doesnt cause deforestation), socially (doesnt compete with
staple food crops) and economically (it has to be available in
viable quantities). And with the aviation industry soon to be
included in the European Emissions Trading Scheme and paying
for our carbon emissions going forwards, it makes great
business sense to investigate lower carbon alternatives to
existing technologies.

Using a sustainable biofuel blend can help to reduce carbon emissions in

the short to medium term.
We all take the social and economic benefits of aviation for granted - we live in an
increasingly internationalised society with friends and family all over the world - and
aviation plays a crucial role in economic growth, particularly in the developing
world. But we need to make sure that we also take into account the climate change
impacts of aviation; a small but fast growing contributor to manmade greenhouse
gas emissions.
We're not saying that biofuels alone are the answer. But, as new aircraft
technologies can take a couple of decades or more to be rolled out across airlines'
fleets, a "drop in" lower carbon alternative to traditional kerosene - which requires
no technical modifications to the aircraft or fuel systems - can provide a really
useful short to medium term opportunity for the industry to reduce its emissions.
2, TO INVEST IMAGINATIVELY
To invest imaginatively in the most efficient aircraft available for our routes to help
us achieve our target of improving fuel efficiency by 30%, by 2020.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC MAKES EUROPE'S LARGEST SINGLE ORDER FOR FUEL-EFFICIENT
BOEING 787 DREAMLINERS
Virgin Atlantic, one of the worlds leading long-haul airlines, and aircraft maker
Boeing today announced an extensive partnership which includes the largest order
yet by a European airline for Boeings new 787 Dreamliner.
Virgin Atlantic is ordering 15 of the 787-9 Dreamliners - with options on ordering
another eight 787-9s and purchase rights on a further 20 aircraft. The 787-9
Dreamliner burns around 27% less fuel per passenger than the A340-300, the
aircraft it will replace in the Virgin Atlantic fleet. The order will see Virgin Atlantic
take delivery of its new planes from 2011 and could be worth up to US$8 billion.
The Boeing 787-9, which can carry up to 290 passengers depending on the bed or
seat layout, brings a step change in aviation and will substantially reduce the
industrys impact on the environment. Its innovative design, with over half of the
aircraft built from composite materials, helps to reduce fuel burn and carbon
emissions significantly. The noise footprint of the 787-9 is also 60% lower than the
A340-300, benefiting local communities living close to airports.
Virgin Atlantic will choose an engine manufacturer, either Rolls Royce or General
Electric, for the aircraft in due course.

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic, commented:

"Virgin Atlantic is totally focused on delivering a cleaner airline in the air and on the
ground, and our order today will significantly cut carbon emissions per 787
Dreamliner flight. With this dynamic new plane, our customers will get the worlds
best customer service onboard combined with world-class engineering throughout.
The 787 Dreamliner symbolizes the environmentally-kinder aircraft of the future cleaner, quieter, lighter and truly the best experience in the air."
As part of its drive for greater fuel efficiency, Virgin Atlantic also revealed today that
it would hold a joint biofuel demonstration, with Boeing, Virgin Fuels and engine
maker GE Aviation, on one of its aircraft during 2008. Further details will be
announced later this year but the demonstration, using a Boeing 747-400, will be
the first worldwide by any commercial airline and aim to develop sustainable fuel
sources suitable for commercial jet engines and the aviation industry. The
demonstration forms part of Virgin Atlantics vision for what the aviation industry
can achieve by using clean-fuel technology to reduce carbon emissions and should
encourage a faster pace of development for the industry.
Boeing and Virgin Atlantic are also working in partnership to cut aircraft emissions
on the ground, as well as in the air. Boeing supports the trials of towing Virgin
Atlantic planes to so-called ?starting-grids?, enabling aircraft to reduce their fuel
burn and carbon emissions by up to 50% on the ground, and reduce noise emissions
for local communities. The trials, at Londons Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, as
well as San Francisco, have produced significant positive results which will be used
to find alternatives to traditional taxi-ing procedures at the worlds busiest airports.
Boeings involvement in reviewing aircraft technical requirements for towing will
enable other airline customers to develop procedures for reducing fuel burn and
emissions on the ground.
Jim McNerney, Chairman, President and CEO of Boeing, added:
"It's great to welcome Virgin Atlantic, one of the most pioneering and customerfocused airlines in the world, as a major new customer for the Boeing 787
Dreamliner. The customer-inspired innovation behind the design of the 787 will
bring benefits to airlines, passengers, the environment and the aviation industry.
Boeing's wider partnership with Virgin Atlantic will deliver further innovative and
environmentally progressive solutions across the industry."
The 787-9 Dreamliner will bring even more benefits to Virgin Atlantic travellers. The
aircraft has the biggest windows in the air, giving all passengers clear views of the
horizon; an even better cabin environment, including higher ceilings and larger
luggage bins; and greater long-range capability (up to 8,500 nautical miles)

enabling trips from London to Perth or Hawaii, for example, without stopping en
route. A more direct route uses less fuel, with fewer take-offs and landings reducing
aircraft noise as well as freeing-up airport slots with fewer connecting passengers.
The new Virgin Atlantic 787 Dreamliners will enable the airline to continue its global
expansion, possibly flying to cities including Rio de Janeiro, Seattle, Vancouver,
Bangkok and Melbourne.
For more information, please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office
on +44 (0)1293 747373 or log onto www.virginatlantic.com
3, TO PUSH FOR INNOVATION ENTHUSIASTICALLY
To push for innovation enthusiastically, doing everything within our power to engage
the government, and the rest of the aviation industry towards practical solutions for
tackling climate change.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC'S PLANS TO CUT CARBON

EMISSIONS GAIN GROUND AS AIRPORTS PREPARE
FOR DECEMBER TRIALS
Virgin Atlantic, Britain's second largest carrier, today announced that its aircraft would be
carrying out test trials throughout December on so-called "starting grids", which are aimed at
reducing fuel burn and CO2 emissions in the aviation industry.
Proposals for "starting grids" were unveiled by the Virgin Atlantic Chairman, Sir Richard
Branson, at the end of September. A "starting grid" is a holding area, close to a runway,
consisting of several parking bays for aircraft. It means that aircraft can be towed closer to a
runway before take-off, substantially reducing the time that engines need to be running. An
aircraft would only need to start its engines once on the grid, around 10 minutes before actual
take-off.
The test trials, at both Londons Heathrow and London's Gatwick Airports, will take place
throughout December on a series of Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747-400 departures. Virgin Atlantic is
working alongside BAA and NATS during the trials, which are aimed at validating the
operational procedures needed for "starting grids" in order for them to become commonplace. A
longer, more detailed trial is then expected to take place in the first quarter of 2007.
Teams from Virgin Atlantic are also holding talks with the international airports in San Francisco
and Los Angeles, as well as JFK in New York, about the timing of similar trials.
Jill Brady, General Counsel, Virgin Atlantic, commented:

"We are delighted to be working so closely with BAA and NATS on this important, practical
initiative to cut fuel burn and CO2 emissions. It is only through cross-industry co-operation that
practical solutions can be found. Towing aircraft from a stand substantially reduces the amount
of time they need to taxi with their engines running and reduces the time spent queuing before
take-off. Starting grids will also reduce congestion around stands, meaning aircraft that have
recently landed will not have to wait, with their engines running, to get onto the stand."
"Once we have examined the results of the test trials, we will be able to look at creating centres
of excellence at the busiest airports around the world, airports which share Virgin Atlantics goal
of reducing fuel burn and CO2 emissions both on the ground and in the air."
Paul Griffiths, Managing Director, BAA Gatwick commented:
"As a company, BAA is committed to working with aviation partners to reduce CO2 emissions,
including our support for the inclusion of the aviation industry within the EU's Emissions
Trading Scheme. I am very proud for Gatwick Airport to be at the forefront of this innovative
and exciting trial with Virgin Atlantic. We welcome this opportunity to work with the airline to
understand the benefits this could deliver for the aviation industry, the environment and for our
local communities."
Towing aircraft closer to the runway has substantial implications for local communities too. They
would benefit from much lower noise levels because of aircraft taxi-ing without their engines
running, and from dramatically cleaner air on the ground.
As part of its sustainable aviation strategy, Virgin Atlantic will also be unveiling a scheme in the
first half of 2007 where passengers can offset their flights, and help to take greater responsibility
for their carbon emissions. The offsetting facility will be part of a series of initiatives by the
airline, including working with other stakeholders within the aviation industry, to tackle global
warming.
The moves by Virgin Atlantic follow Sir Richard Bransons commitment for Virgin Group to
invest $3billion over the next ten years in renewable energy initiatives.
For further information please call the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on +44 (0)1293 747373

4, TO DIET CONSTANTLY

To diet constantly, removing unnecessary weight from our planes and using lighter weight
materials onboard wherever possible.
5, TO OFFER CARBON OFFSETTING GLOBALLY

To offer carbon offsetting globally, giving our passengers access to the first Gold
Standard mile high offset club.
Carbon Offsetting Scheme

WHAT IS IT?
Aside from finding ways to produce less CO2 in the first place - you can also pay to
offset the carbon emissions you do make.
Its simple: you pay a fee to an offsetting company who use the money to remove
the amount of CO2 you produce.

OUR GOLD STANDARD CARBON OFFSET SCHEME

There are lots of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint other than
carbon offsetting - cycling or using public transport, insulating your home, turning
your heating down or using energy efficient light bulbs.
For those emissions you cannot reduce, you can try carbon offsetting with
our Gold Standard Offset Scheme.
Upon submitting your details for this scheme, you will be referred to myclimate's
external website, where your carbon offset donation will be processed. Please note,
Virgin Atlantic Airways is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. If
you experience any issues whilst on myclimate's website please contact myclimate
by clicking here.
You can also carbon offset your emissions onboard with us, when you purchase your
duty free goods!
WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT OUR SCHEME?
1. It's Gold Standard
The daddy of all the offsetting standards, with backing from everyone and their dog
including lots of environmental groups, Gold Standard methodology was created to
facilitate the move from fossil fuels to renewable energies.
Your money will go directly to a project which has immediate positive impact, both
on the local communities and the environment. This does mean that our scheme is
slightly more expensive than some others out there, but that's because it's that
good.

Read about our current projects and see what difference we've made already...
2. 85% of Your Donation Goes Directly to the Projects
It was really important to us that as much of your money as possible would go direct
to the projects in this scheme, and not to a middle man somewhere for twiddling his
thumbs. 85% is one of the highest guarantees around on this, and we have our
fantastic partners myclimate to thank for that, who work tirelessly to make this
margin as small as possible. The remaining 15% is spent by myclimate on
administration including payment processing.
3. It's a good assessment of the environmental impacts
We worked out exactly how much carbon our aircraft were producing on each of our
routes, and had this independantly verified. We then worked out how much this
would equate to for each passneger by taking into account the different weights of
equipment and seats in each different class of travel, and also the amount of cargo
on each route. Some schemes use averages and don't distinguish between the
different classes of travel. We thought it fairer to be more accurate. You can also
chose to input a multiplier in the scheme if you want to take into account the lesser
understood non - C02 effects, which many environment groups recommend you do,
but DEFRA do not recommend. For more details.
4. It's not like kicking your dog
There have been lots of claims in the press that offsetting is like giving a donation to
the RSPCA and then going home and kicking your dog. We don't think that offsetting
is hypocritical if it's done in conjunction with sound emissions reductions (it's also a
good way to understand your footprint better). We believe reducing emissions is our
responsibility (together with other industry players and governments) and that is
why we have committed to reducing our carbon emissions by 21,000 tonnes by the
end of this financial year, and to improving our fuel efficiency by 30% by 2020. We
have also made some suggestions as to how you could reduce your footprint which
we hope will at least get you thinking. Oh and please look after your dog.

OUR SCHEME
Our Gold Standard Scheme is in partnership with myclimate - a Swiss based charity
who fund clean energy solutions, especially in developing countries.
Endorsed by 47 NGOs worldwide including many environmental groups, Gold
Standard methodology was created to encourage a shift from a fossil fuel based
economy to a renewable energy economy.

This just means your money is going directly to a project which has immediate
positive impact on the environment and the local community.

CARBON OFFSETTING COMPETITION WINNER

This summer we ran a competition for those who took advantage of our gold standard carbon
offsetting scheme to offset their flight emissions. The prize was tickets to this years V Festival.
This is Toby Wiggs, winner of our Carbon Off-setting competition. Toby
was the lucky recipient of two weekend passes to the V Festival in
Chelmsford in August.
Toby said "V2008 was the 9th time that I've been to the festival, and this
year's was one of the best."
"An excellent line-up with some of the biggest names in rock (Muse, The Verve), dance
(Chemical Brothers, Prodigy) and pop (Girls Aloud) combined to make a cracking weekend. The
sun was mostly on our side too, with only a few drops of rain to try & dampen our enthusiasm!
Will be going again next year.."
"I won the tickets to V after being entered in a prize draw on the Virgin carbon off-setting
website. I think off-setting could play a vital role in trying to limit the damage caused to the
planet by man's actions. It is important to not to take things for granted and act accordingly to
protect the environment."
Well done, Toby, we're glad you had a good time!

GET INVOLVED!
We have had the carbon footprint of each of our flights independently verified. We
have then worked out how much this equates to per passenger, depending on
where you sit on the plane. Have a look at your carbon footprint here.
6, TO SERVE ONLY FAIR-TRADE TEA AND COFFEE ON BOARD PROUDLY.
Because we believe that providing quality products should not come at any cost to
the environment or those who produce them. Read more about our Fairtrade policy.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC LAUNCHES FAIRTRADE TEA AND COFFEE ONBOARD ALL FLIGHTS
Virgin Atlantic is pleased to announce that its now offering Fairtrade tea and coffee

to all passengers. The airline served nearly seven million cups of coffee and over
five million cups of tea onboard flights in 2006 so a switch to these products will be
a significant boost for farmers who are supplying the Fairtrade market.

Following a series of blind tastings of a variety of Fairtrade teas and coffees, Virgin
Atlantic will be offering passengers organic green and white teas from QI teas, a
range of fresh and instant coffees by Costa Coffee and specialist supplier FFI UK and
a range of organic and Fairtrade teas from Clipper. All of the products are sourced
from several countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The move to Fairtrade products is in line with Virgin Atlantics business sustainability
strategy, which comprises a series of initiatives, including providing more ethical,
environmental and sustainable products, reducing the weight of its planes so that
less fuel is used, and demonstrating biofuels in flight. In 2006, Sir Richard Branson
pledged $3bn of Virgin Groups profits and dividends from its transport businesses,
including Virgin Atlantic, over the next ten years to develop clean fuel.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic said:

"Virgin Atlantic recognises how important it is for all companies to understand the
impact of the products they use, both on the environment and on the people
producing them. So, were proud to support Fairtrade, which guarantees farmers a
fair price for their product, and are really pleased that our passengers will benefit
from a comprehensive range of Fairtrade teas and coffees onboard our flights."

Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation commented:

"What great news that Virgin Atlantic Airways will be providing its passengers with

Fairtrade tea and coffee, so enabling more farmers and workers in the developing
world to build a better future. Fairtrade goods are becoming ever more popular as
shoppers make the change to Fairtrade. But for more producers to participate in
Fairtrade, its vital that people can also enjoy Fairtrade products when they are on
the move. That customers will be drinking Fairtrade tea and coffee on such a major
airline as Virgin Atlantic shows that Fairtrade is making an impact."

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and
fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring
companies to pay a fair price and an additional social premium, Fairtrade addresses
the injustices of conventional markets which traditionally discriminate against the
poorest producers. For more information log onto www.fairtrade.org.uk

For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on
01293 747373 or log onto www.virginatlantic.com

Notes to Editors:
The introduction of Fairtrade brands to VAA was brokered by Emma
Harvey of SaltaSustainable. For more information please contact Emma at
emma.harvey@saltasustainable.co.uk or see www.saltasustainable.co.uk.

For more details about QI Teas visit www.qi-teas.com, Clipper products visit
www.clipper-teas.com, Costa visit www.costa.co.uk and FFI coffees on
www.finefoodsintl.co.uk.

Virgin Trains also serves Fairtrade tea and coffee on board its services
7, TO REPORT HONESTLY AND TRANSPARENTLY

To report honestly and transparently on our progress towards our environmental

targets going forward. Read our environment policy.
See pdf file
8,TO TREAT PEOPLE AS RESPECTFULLY AS THE PLANET.

To treat people as respectfully as the planet, looking out for their happinesss, health, social
welfare and work-life balance.
9, TO COMMIT WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
To commit wholeheartedly to generating 100% of our electricity for our main UK sites and
reduce our use by 20%, by 2020.
10, TO RECYCLE OR REUSE 50% OF OUR WASTE LOVINGLY BY 2012.
To recycle or reuse 50% of our waste lovingly by 2012, and reduce our waste significantly over
all of our operations.
11, TO TAKE EVERY BRIGHT IDEA SERIOUSLY.
To take every bright idea seriously - however fanciful, however radical as we strive for the tiniest
negative impact and the greatest positive impact on our world.
12, TO RECYCLE EXHAUSTIVELY, ESPECIALLY OUR PROFITS.
Our chairman Richard Branson has pledged to invest all of his future profits from the
Virgin transport companies into bio-fuels R&D and projects to tackle climate change

BRANSON MAKES $3BN CLIMATE PLEDGE

SIR RICHARD BRANSON TO INVEST $3BN (1.6BN) TO FIGHT GLOBAL
WARMING
The Virgin boss said he would commit all profits from his travel firms, such as airline Virgin
Atlantic and Virgin Trains, over the next 10 years.
"We must rapidly wean ourselves off our dependence on coal and fossil fuels," Sir Richard said.

The funds will be invested in schemes to develop new renewable energy

technologies, through an investment unit called Virgin Fuels.
One of the UK's best known entrepreneurs, Sir Richard made the
announcement in New York on the second day of the Clinton Global
Initiative, an annual conference hosted by former US President Bill
Clinton.
Sir Richard, 56, said that transport and energy companies "must be at the forefront of developing
environmentally friendly business strategies".
Planes and trains
Sir Richard recently launched a new Virgin Fuels business, which will invest up to $400m in
green energy projects.
It has already announced its backing for a California firm, Cilion which plans to make bio
ethanol from corn.
Friends of the Earth broadly welcomed Sir Richard's announcement, but the environmental
pressure group warned that the continued fast growth in air travel could not be maintained
"without causing climatic disaster".
Worth an estimated 3bn, Sir Richard started his career in the record
industry before moving into everything from mobile phones to credit
cards. He established his main airline Virgin Atlantic in 1984, starting
services between London and New York.
He also owns two low-cost airlines, Virgin Express in Europe and Virgin
Blue in Australia.
His Virgin Group owns a 51% stake in UK train company Virgin Trains. This firm operates the
UK's West Coast Main Line franchise between London and the west of Scotland, and the cross
country franchise between the south west of England and Scotland.
Major donations
Mr Branson's investment pledge comes after US billionaire investor Warren Buffett announced in
June that he was donating $37bn to charity.
Mr Buffett gave the money to the charitable foundation run by Microsoft founder Bill Gates,
which works to reduce global poverty and improve health and access to education.
Mr Gates himself said in July that the charity, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was
pledging $287m in a bid to speed-up the development of a vaccine for the HIV/Aids virus.
Sir Richard has previously given money to educational charities in Africa.

13, TO RESPECT PEOPLE'S SPACE MORE QUIETLY

To continue to reduce the noise levels affecting people who live near airports and improve local
air quality.
14, TO USE LESS FUEL AND DO IT CLEANLY
We regularly wash our planes and our engines, which results in improved fuel efficiency.
15, TO MOVE TOWARD PAPERLESSNESS CHEERFULLY
As the first step towards a paperless office, were aiming for a 25% reduction in paper use for
each full-time member of staff by 2012.
16, TO CLOSE THE RECYCLING LOOP QUICKLY
Were aiming for a 50% reduction in our waste to landfill by 2012. To do this were
choosing more items that are reusable, recyclable or biodegradable and sourcing
products that use fewer materials.