Virgin Atlantic named airline partner of Team GB, ParalympicsGB for LA28

Virgin Atlantic has been named the Official Airline Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking the carrier’s first partnership with both organizations.

The airline, which operates three daily nonstop flights between London Heathrow and Los Angeles, will support the travel of athletes, teams, families and fans heading to LA28.

The partnership complements that of Virgin Atlantic’s joint venture partner Delta, which is the Official Airline of Team USA and a sponsor of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson officially kicked off the partnership at London Heathrow alongside athletes Jake Jarman and Kadeena Cox and members of the airline’s cabin crew, declaring check-in for LA28 officially open.

Supporting athletes on the road to LA28

As part of the partnership, Virgin Atlantic will provide Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes with tailored airport and check-in support, additional baggage allowances and specialist handling for sporting and accessibility equipment.

The airline will also work with athletes on customer and colleague events and co-host team announcement moments in the lead-up to the Games.

Virgin Atlantic crew will participate in programs on the ground, including the teams’ Flagbearer programs.

Following the Games, the airline will also work with Team GB and ParalympicsGB on special Welcome Home moments for returning athletes at Heathrow.

“I’ve always loved a challenge and Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes certainly know a thing or two about stepping up to the plate. I’m thrilled that Virgin Atlantic gets to be such an important part of their journey to the Games,” said Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic and Founder of Virgin Group, in a press release.

“We’ll be backing them all the way – from check-in and take-off to what I hope will be a very special journey home. What I love about sport is seeing what brilliant people can achieve when they dream big, work hard and have a great team behind them.”

“The Games might be two years away, but it’s the years of dedication, preparation, passion, and support that come before that make all the difference. So, as far as we’re concerned, check in for LA28 is officially open!”

Dame Katherine Grainger, Team GB Chair, added: “Getting Team GB to a Games is a huge team effort long before competition begins, so having Virgin Atlantic with us on the journey to Los Angeles is incredibly exciting. From supporting the team’s travel to helping us celebrate the moments and people that make a Games so special, we’re looking forward to bringing fans even closer to Team GB on the road to LA28.”

New post-flight recovery experience

The partnership will also see Virgin Atlantic incorporate elements of elite performance thinking into its customer experience.

The airline is teaming up with 3 Peaks Health (3PH) to introduce a new post-flight recovery experience at its Heathrow Revivals Lounge in November.

The program will include the Lumati Recharge Portal, which Virgin Atlantic says will be making its airport debut. The 15-minute treatment combines light therapy, vagus nerve stimulation and molecular hydrogen and is designed to support recovery following long-haul travel.

Compression boots will also be available as part of the experience. The program was developed with 3PH co-founder Dr Mark Mikhail, an Imperial-trained doctor specializing in longevity and performance medicine with experience in elite sport.

Focus on accessible travel

Virgin Atlantic and ParalympicsGB will also collaborate on an accessible travel program aimed at helping travellers feel more confident and supported throughout their journey.

Insights from ParalympicsGB athletes, disability-inclusion specialists and lived-experience groups will be used to inform colleague learning, accessibility guidance and the broader travel experience.

David Clarke, ParalympicsGB CEO, stated: “Not only will we work together to take our team to and from the games, but crucially, the partnership will see our teams working closely together to help make air travel more accessible and inclusive for everyone.”

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