Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson led a celebration Friday at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport for his airline’s impending launch of service to Atlanta.

Virgin Atlantic marked the occasion by bringing its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Atlanta for a celebration flight.

However, the new Virgin Atlantic service that starts Sunday will be on an Airbus A330 between Atlanta and London Heathrow. The daily flights are part of a joint venture with Delta Air Lines.

Hartsfield-Jackson general manager Miguel Southwell said Virgin Atlantic is the first carrier to take advantage of the airport’s new flight incentive program. He said the airport will waive Virgin Atlantic’s landing fees for the first year, which could be worth more than $600,000 a year.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Hyundai says it plans to hire 3,000 more workers in Georgia and increase production to 500,000 units annually at the 16 million-square-foot factory it calls the Metaplant by 2028. (Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group)

Credit: Hyundai Motor Group

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com