BA and Virgin Atlantic mark US reopening with 'dual take-off' from Heathrow

The airlines will take part in a “synchronised” departure of two aircraft on parallel runways at Heathrow at 8.30am to mark the first day that most UK nationals will be able to fly to the US since 16 March 2020.

Both BA and Virgin Atlantic have campaigned for the reopening of transatlantic travel to “ignite economic recovery and allow friends and families to reunite”.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ chief executive, said: “Today is our moment to celebrate the UK-US reopening. We’re setting aside rivalry and for the first time ever, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic aircraft will be seen taking-off together to mark the vital importance of the transatlantic corridor.”

While Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss added: “Today is a time for celebration, not rivalry. Together with British Airways we are delighted to mark today’s important milestone, which finally allows consumers and businesses to book travel with confidence.

“We’ve been steadily ramping up flying to destinations including Boston, New York, Orlando, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and we can’t wait to fly our customers safely to their favourite US cities to reconnect with loved ones and colleagues.”