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Virgin Atlantic to use larger planes to help BA passengers

16 Dec 2009

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will deploy larger aircraft on key routes during the Christmas period to help deal with the fallout from planned industrial action at British Airways (BA).

Cabin crew at BA are planning to strike between 22 December and 2 January.

Virgin Atlantic announced that it had identified key services, including flights to New York, Boston and Delhi, where it was feasible to use larger aircraft.

Airbus A340-600 aircraft will be used on these routes in place of the A340-300, offering 68 extra seats per journey.

Overall, the airline will provide about 1,600 additional spaces during the Christmas period.

Commenting on the potential industrial action at BA, Virgin boss 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 travelling public.'

BA is currently taking legal action in an attempt to avert the strike.

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