Flying Club Celebrates Ten Years in the Air; Makes Six Members "Miles Million Airs".

Business Editors

NORWALK, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 7, 2000

Virgin Atlantic Airways is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its frequent flyer program, flying club, by awarding six members each a million miles. These six "miles million airs" will be able choose from a range of exciting rewards.

The competition launches now, and members need to register online by July 24, 2000 to be eligible to enter into the drawing. Members not yet online can also enter by mail. flying club is well known for the wide and varied range of rewards, and one million miles could buy:

-- 14 airlines now participate in the program, with flights to over 500
destinations around the world

-- Over 100 partners now participate in the program offering an impressive
range of earning and reward options

-- 80 flights within Europe, or: -- three trips around the world for three people!

One lucky member will be selected at random from each of the airline's six regions - U.S.A., U.K./Northern Europe, Southern Europe, China, South Africa and Japan. Full terms and conditions are available on www.virgin.com/millionair.

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways, said:

"Over the last ten years flying club's aim has been not only to help our passengers travel the world but also to help them get the most out of doing so. Six lucky members worldwide will now have the chance to win a million miles as a celebration of the anniversary.

"But even if you don't win you can spend your miles on reward flights, upgrades, limo transfers, car hire, hotel breaks, holidays and an exciting range of leisure activities, including sky diving and white water rafting for braver flying club members."

Virgin Atlantic's frequent flyer loyalty program, originally called Freeway, was established in 1990 and was relaunched last year as flying club with a host of new partners and offers.

Unlike some programs, members do not have to fly for long periods of time to reach a reward. With flying club just one flight could be enough. The fastest way to earn miles is by flying Virgin Atlantic, but miles can also be earned with a range of partner airlines plus car rentals, hotel stays, telephone partners and American Express.

Note to Editors:

-- 14 airlines now participate in the program, with flights to over 500
destinations around the world

-- Over 100 partners now participate in the program offering an impressive
range of earning and reward options

-- Over 25 billion flying club miles have been issued -- Over 11 billion flying club miles have been redeemed -- Over 1 million people have joined the program with 350,000 either

flying or using partners on a regular basis.

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world's most-acclaimed carriers, received top honors in 2000 as "Best Transatlantic Airline" by Conde Nast Traveler's readers for the third consecutive year; "Best of the Best" by the Robb Report; "Best Airline to Europe and Beyond" by Entrepreneur; and "Best Transatlantic Airline" by Travel Weekly for the 12th consecutive year. And for three years in a row, from 1998 to 2000, OAG has awarded the airline "Best Transatlantic Airline," "Best Long Haul Business Class" and "Best European Airline."

Virgin Atlantic Airways serves London from 10 U.S. gateways: New York (JFK), Newark, Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington (Dulles), Miami, Boston and Las Vegas. From London, the carrier serves South Africa, Greece, Japan, Hong Kong, the Caribbean, China and India. For reservations and inquiries, please call your travel agent or Virgin toll-free at 800-862-8621, or visit the Virgin Atlantic web site at www.virgin.com.