Lydia Webb, Marketing Director – Americas & Strategic Programs, Cirium
In 2024, Virgin Atlantic reported an OTP of 74.02% and did not qualify for the top 20 ranking in the Europe region based on total flight volume. However, this year, the airline not only met the qualifications but also secured the #4 position in the region with an impressive 83.45% OTP across 26,359 flights; a 9.43 percentage points gain over last year. This accomplishment extends beyond the European context, positioning Virgin Atlantic among the leading airlines globally. It further highlights the organization’s commitment to overcoming challenges and continuously improving its operational standards.
Virgin Atlantic consistently mainted high on-time performance scores throughout 2025, registering OTPs above 80% – except January and December. The airline is committed to being a challenger and a leader in its field and have made significant investments in fleet modernization, premium experience for guests, its people, and the communities it serves.
A Year for Change
In 2025, Virgin Atlantic focused on improving its on-time performance and underwent major developments across the business. The airline formed new interline and codeshare agreement with Caribbean Airlines, expanded its network and also joined a strategic partnership with IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, and Air France-KLM to link India’s expanding economy with North America and Europe.
The airline also announced a partnership with Joby Aviation, to provide zero-emission, short-range trips between Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport and other regional destinations.
To complete its fleet modernization initiative, Virgin Atlantic Airways secured $745 million in financing from Apollo-managed funds, leveraging its London Heathrow slots. The funds will strengthen the airline’s finances and support upgrades, including Boeing 787-9 refurbishments, new Airbus A330neo aircraft with expanded premium cabins and Retreat Suites from 2026, and fleet-wide Starlink-powered Wi-Fi. Virgin Atlantic will be the first UK airline to introduce free, streaming-quality, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout its fleet, using Starlink technology, with rollout completing in 2027.
Leading Into The Future
Virgin Atlantic’s Board has announced that Shai Weiss will step down as CEO at the end of 2025, and Corneel Koster will take over the position. Koster, who was formerly Chief Customer and Operating Officer, played a key role in overseeing operations, enhancing customer experience, guiding the airline through the pandemic, introducing the A330neo aircraft, and advancing digital transformation initiatives. Under Koster’s leadership, the airline aims to keep its commitments and achieve new standards in operational performance.
A Job Well Done
In today’s highly competitive airline industry, maintaining an on-time performance above 80% for domestic, regional, and long-haul flights is no easy task—especially if the starting point falls short of that benchmark. Virgin Atlantic has demonstrated through its accomplishments why it stands out as both a challenger and an industry leader. The airline’s dedication to improvement has not gone unnoticed. Cirium extends its congratulations to the entire Virgin Atlantic team for earning the title of Most-Improved Airline of the year—a recognition that is truly well earned. We look forward to seeing even greater achievements in the future.
