Flying Shanghai - Virgin Atlantic Awarded Two New Frequencies.

NORWALK, CT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 1999--

Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways, welcomed the Civil Aviation Authority's decision to award Virgin two further weekly frequencies between London and Shanghai;

"This is fantastic news. Shanghai is a landmark route for Virgin Atlantic as it is the first time we've beaten British Airways to a new destination. By doubling our services on the route from two to four per week we can offer more choice and flexibility to all our passengers - particularly business travellers.

"Cultural and business links between our two countries have never been stronger, and as we gain more frequencies, London-Shanghai will become one of the most important air routes of the new millennium."

Virgin Atlantic started twice weekly flights from Heathrow to Shanghai using an Airbus A340 on May 22, 1999. The flights depart Heathrow on Mondays and Saturdays with the return journeys from Shanghai on Tuesdays and Sundays. Virgin will start operating the two new frequencies beginning summer 2000, subject to slot availability.

Virgin Atlantic Airways serves London from nine U.S. gateways: three times daily from New York (JFK); twice daily from Newark, Los Angeles and Orlando; and daily from Chicago, San Francisco, Washington (Dulles), Miami and Boston. From London, the carrier serves South Africa, Greece, Japan, Hong Kong, the Caribbean and Shanghai. For reservations and inquiries, please call Virgin toll-free at [phone], or visit the Virgin Atlantic web site at www.virgin.com.