Britain's flag carrier British Airways flew England to the last three World Cup's, but a said it turned down the chance to do so this time due as it "the cost could not be justified in the current climate.” BA is facing a revolt by staff as it tries to push through painful cost cuts, with a strike planned for next weekend.
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin's president, said: “It is a great honour for Virgin Atlantic to be carrying the England team to Johannesburg. We are thrilled they have chosen to fly with Virgin Atlantic on our award-winning Upper Class Suite and promise they will be looked after in style by our world class cabin crew, so that when they arrive in Johannesburg they are fit and ready to take on the world. I, along with everyone at Virgin Atlantic, am sure they will make England proud!”
The airline's Upper Class Suite has fully flat beds, personal entertainment systems for travelers, and a special check in, lounge and security area in Heathrow Terminal 3.
Virgin will fly the team, including 23 players, England manager Fabio Capello and support staff, from London Heathrow to Johannesburg on June 3.
