Virgin marks 25 years with Red Arrows
June 29, 2009
The world-famous Red Arrows performed a special flypast with Virgin's Boeing 747-400 'Birthday Girl' yesterday to celebrate the company's 25th birthday.
Red 1, Wing Commander Jas Hawker, Officer Commanding and Team Leader of the Red Arrows, led the Royal Air Force's Aerobatic Team to form a Diamond Nine around the Virgin Atlantic aircraft over the English Channel.
The formation then flew over Canvey Island to Biggin Hill and a crowd of around 100,000 spectators at the International Air Fair.
Speaking before the event, Red 1, Wing Commander Jas Hawker said: “The team are very proud to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Virgin Atlantic at Biggin Hill to highlight the success of a world-renowned great British company.”
Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, said: “This is a welcome and valued honour for our 25th birthday and I am very proud that one of our fleet of Boeing 747’s will be performing a flypast at Biggin Hill with the world-famous Red Arrows team.”
Paul Charles, Director of Communications at Virgin Atlantic said: “We are honoured and thrilled to take part in the flypast with the Red Arrows. Many of our pilots come from a Royal Air Force background and so it is a privilege for them to be involved in this way. We look forward to a fantastic flypast this Sunday.”
Richard Branson launched Virgin Atlantic in June 1984 at Gatwick airport.
Written by: Maxine Clarke
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