Iconic UK airline celebrates 42 years since its first flight from Sussex

Virgin Atlantic marked 42 years since its first flight from Sussex, highlighting the airline’s roots in Gatwick, West Sussex, where it is based. Launched in 1984 as British Atlantic Airways, the maiden service flew on June 22, 1984, from London Gatwick to Newark in New Jersey, using a leased Boeing 747-200 registered G-VIRG, previously operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas. The airline added routes quickly, including Gatwick–Maastricht Aachen in November 1984 and scheduled Gatwick–Miami in 1986, followed by launches to New York JFK (1988) and beyond. Separately, Virgin said passengers will soon stream live sport through Sport 24 on Starlink-equipped aircraft, including the FIFA World Cup 2026. The service requires a free Flying Club membership, and Starlink is currently on one-third of its fleet with full rollout planned by end of 2027.