Virgin Atlantic Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Nigeria, Honours Travel Partners
British airline Virgin Atlantic has celebrated 25 years of operations in Nigeria, recognising the travel partners whose contributions have supported its growth and strengthened its presence in the country.
The milestone was marked with a special awards evening at The George Lagos Hotel on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The event brought together airline executives, travel industry partners and other stakeholders to celebrate a journey that began in July 2001.
Virgin Atlantic launched its Lagos service with four weekly flights operated by a Boeing 747. Since then, Nigeria has become one of the airline’s established markets within its international network.
Virgin Atlantic Recognises Nigeria’s Growing Importance
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dave Geer, described Nigeria as one of its most important markets.
He praised the travel partners, customers, employees and operational teams whose efforts have contributed to the airline’s success over the years.
Geer also stressed the importance of strong business relationships, noting that technology cannot replace the trust and local knowledge that travel partners bring to the industry.
“Technology will never replace relationships. The trust, local knowledge, and customer understanding represented in this room remain fundamental to our success,” he said.
He added that Virgin Atlantic would continue to build sustainable partnerships and strengthen customer relationships to support long-term commercial growth.
Nigeria Now Generates More Revenue for Lagos Route
Virgin Atlantic’s Country Manager for West Africa, Yann Stirton, also acknowledged the resilience of Nigerian travel partners, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty, currency volatility and ticket inventory restrictions.
He revealed a major shift in the airline’s commercial performance, explaining that ticket sales in Nigeria now generate more revenue for the Lagos route than sales in any other market, including the United Kingdom.
Stirton recalled that when he arrived in Lagos in September 2023, most of the revenue generated on the route came from ticket sales in the UK.
However, he said the situation had changed, with Nigeria now accounting for the largest share of revenue on the route.
He credited the achievement to the efforts and continued support of local travel partners.
Virgin Atlantic Honours Outstanding Travel Partners
A major highlight of the anniversary event was the presentation of awards to travel companies recognised for their contributions across commercial performance, innovation, growth and customer advocacy.
Among the winners were:
- ALML Travels and Tours – High-Value Partner of the Year.
- Wakanow.com – Digital Innovation and Agent of the Year – Retail.
- Touchdown Travels – Best Performing – TMC.
- 247 Travels – Best Performing – Retail.
- Cinderella Travels – Best Revenue Growth.
- FCM Travels – Rising Partner.
- Ajala Travels – Rising Partner.
The airline also acknowledged the longstanding contributions of ALML, highlighting its local expertise, operational support and business relationships in Nigeria.
Virgin Atlantic Plans Fleet and Customer Experience Improvements
Looking ahead, Dave Geer reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to improving customer experience through investments in its aircraft, premium cabins and onboard connectivity.
Virgin Atlantic’s $17 billion fleet transformation programme is expected to bring its fleet to 45 next-generation aircraft by 2028.
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The plans include cabin upgrades to its Boeing 787-9 aircraft and the introduction of additional Airbus A330neo planes.
The airline is also expanding free, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet, with full fleet coverage planned for 2027.
As it marks 25 years in Nigeria, Virgin Atlantic says it remains focused on strengthening its relationships with travel partners, expanding its commercial presence and delivering better experiences for customers.
About Virgin Atlantic
Founded in 1984 by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic is headquartered in London and employs approximately 9,250 people worldwide. The airline serves 28 destinations throughout the year.
Working alongside its shareholder and partner, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a major transatlantic network with connections to more than 200 cities.
The airline joined the SkyTeam global airline alliance in 2023 as its first and only UK member.
Virgin Atlantic has also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Its fleet transformation programme is aimed at moving towards 100 per cent next-generation aircraft by 2028.
