30 Minute Interview

‘The on-ground experience at terminal 3 of Heathrow will be a benchmark’

Recently Sir Richard Branson expressed his interest of starting an airline from India. However until then, Virgin Atlantic Airways is highly focussed on improving passenger services from the country, says Judith Wilcox, regional manager (Indian subcontinent) for the carrier. By Chetan Kapoor

Judith Wilcox Regional Manager (Indian Subcontinent), Virgin Atlantic Airways

What are the new developments at Virgin Atlantic, with respect to India?

The Indian market is a vital player for Virgin Atlantic and seeing the incredible growth of the economy, we are quite optimistic as an airline. With daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai, we see the market growing from strength to strength, and are currently flying the world's longest aircraft, the Airbus A340-600 from here.

Our passengers from India can now get flight arrival and departure timings on their mobile phones, select their seat of choice, check-in online and also print their boarding passes at home. We are also very optimistic about the developments at the IGI airport in Delhi - better departure and arrival facilities definetely promise a much better flying experience.

Have you worked on any new passenger initiatives?

This year, we re-launched our premium economy cabin, which has been enthusiastically embraced by our passengers. It offers a dedicated check-in, priority boarding, a separate cabin, the biggest seat in its class, dedicated crew and yes, a Champagne welcome. On board our flights, Indian passengers can now watch Hindi movies and savour delicious Indian and International cuisine, which is served by our Indian crew. Of course that includes the great Virgin experience.

We are also looking forward to the Terminal 3 at Heathrow airport, which will be a benchmark for the ground experience that our competitors can only try to copy. Our upper class passengers will be provided with a drive through check-in and a dedicated security channel, allowing them access to the Virgin Clubhouse in less than ten minutes.

For Virgin Atlantic's premium economy and economy passengers, the check-in area will be wider, brighter and more spacious, enabling them to check-in at kiosks in a fast, efficient and stress-free manner.

How will Virgin Atlantic leverage from the stake in Air Asia X?

Sir Richard Branson's stake in Air Asia X is a reflection of his confidence in the Asian market, as also of the pioneering style of Air Asia X. With regard to Virgin Atlantic, we are still reviewing opportunities; however, it is too early to comment.

Virgin Atlantic is in talks to order 10 long-haul aircraft. Please comment.

The new A380s and the 787 Dreamliners which join the fleet will give Virgin the opportunity to add capacity on certain routes and also use valuable slots, in order to improve efficiency in terms of passenger movement. This will also enable us to consider adding new routes to our current portfolio of 30 destinations. Moreover, the aircraft are more environment-friendly and as always our onboard experience will be state of the art - Virgin America's introduction of downloadable podcasts, automated meal ordering and mood lighting are all latest examples of Virgin's innovative tradition.