Virgin Atlantic has its origins in British Atlantic Airways founded in 1982, but which the British Civil Aviation Authority declined to licence. Richard Branson thus set up Virgin Atlantic through the Virgin Group. The collapsed Laker Airways was used by Branson as a model as there was an obvious demand for a "cheap airline" to operate from London. Virgin Atlantic was granted a licence to operate London-New York (Newark) and the first flight was on 22 Jun 84. In November a daily connecting flight to Maastricht, Holland using BAC One-Elevens was started. This was later operated by Viscounts but ceased in 1990. With imaginative advertising and marketing the airline offering only cheap flights, attracted more sophisticated passengers. In 1986, another Boeing 747 was added, with four more in 1989 and further routes including Miami, New York JFK and Tokyo (via Moscow) were started. The Airbus A340 was introduced in late 1993 and used for routes to Hong Kong and Australia. An A320 was also used for a feeder service to Athens, and this has recently been replaced by an A321. During 1996, the Belgian airline EBA was bought and used as the basis for a European network under the Virgin Express name. Also in 1996, the Johannesburg route was finally established. In 1998, Virgin was given authority to carry military personnel between London and Washington. In 1999, a Manchester-based charter airline was set up as Virgin Sun. Plans were also made for an Australian low-cost airline. This came to fruition in mid-2000 as Virgin Blue. Virgin gained the strength of Singapore Airlines as a partner in December 1999 when the Singapore carrier took a 49% holding in Virgin. Also in 1999, the current 'Silver Dream' colour scheme ws introduced for Virgin's fleet. Airbus A340-600s are on order for delivery from later this year. We take pride in releasing the Virgin A340-300 in the current livery, workhorse of the Virgin fleet for its long and thin routes.....because you asked for it!