Virgin Atlantic celebrates its 10th Anniversary of flights to Washington D.C. The airline first launched its daily service from London Heathrow Airport to Washington Dulles International airport in June 1996 and since then the airline has flown over 7,000 flights, amounting to 26 million miles and carrying over 1.7 million passengers. The daily service is operated by A340-600 aircraft.

Also in Washington the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer will take its final flight when it joins the Smithsonian collection at the National Air and Space Museum. The achievements of the experimental aircraft pushed the boundaries of flight by applying new technologies such as lightweight composites and fuel-efficient systems, which could one day change the face of flying for all passengers. The aircraft’s pilot Steve Fossett will officially sign over the historic aircraft to the museum in a ceremony to take place at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic commented: “When we launched the airline, my vision was to create an airline that would be the front-runner in innovation, value for money and the highest quality product. Now after 10 years in Washington D.C., I am delighted that Virgin Atlantic has continued to stand for the same values, we have carried a phenomenal number of passengers and flown an amazing seven thousand return flights since we launched in 1996.”

“It is fitting also this week that we celebrate, innovation and commitment in another aviation achievement as the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer takes her place in the Smithsonian collection at The National Air and Space Museum. Congratulations should also go to Steve Fossett whose endurance and determination to push the boundaries of both himself and the aircraft have resulted in potentially changing the face of flying for everyone, by making flying even more affordable and reducing the impact on the environment. We have had a great 10 years in Washington D.C. and I am looking forward to the next decade being just as eventful!”