Virgin Atlantic pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with new aircraft

The carrier’s new Airbus A330neo – which will also feature the royal registration G-VEII – will enter service in April, flying from Heathrow to destinations such as Miami, New York and Tampa.

The move marks the second time the Queen of the Skies moniker has been used on a Virgin Atlantic aircraft, after her late majesty unveiled an Airbus A340-600 with the same name at a ceremony in Toulouse in 2004.

Corneel Koster, chief customer and operations officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: "Just like Queen Elizabeth during her historic 70-year reign, Virgin Atlantic is proud to fly the flag for the United Kingdom around the world.

"We’re delighted to soon be welcoming Queen of the Skies to our fleet and hope that it serves as a fitting tribute to an unforgettable, much-loved monarch."