BA Strike Update: Virgin Atlantic to Increase Service

Virgin Atlantic Airways will put larger aircraft on key routes over the 12 days of industrial action planned by British Airways cabin crew in order to carry stranded passengers, the company announced today in a statement.

Virgin Atlantic has identified a number of flights on routes such as New York (Newark), Boston, Washington, D.C. and Delhi where it is feasible to operate the flights with larger aircraft. These selected flights will now be operated by an Airbus A340-600 rather than an A340-300, thereby providing 68 extra seats per flight. The extra seats will go on sale over the next 24 hours.

Talking earlier today about the industrial action planned by BA cabin crew, Sir Richard Branson said, "It is a nightmare for passengers, and you have to feel for them at Christmas time. Any strike would obviously be extremely damaging to everybody - the company, employees and most importantly the traveling public."

Passengers wishing to book flights should visit www.virginatlantic.com.