Virgin doubles profit

VIRGIN Atlantic Limited, which includes Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Nigeria and Virgin Holidays, has recorded a pre-tax, pre-exceptional profit of £41,6m (R558,2m) for the year 2005/6, compared with £20,1m (R269,6m) the previous year. Revenues are up to £1,19bn (R15,98bn), 17% higher than last year at £1,63bn (R21,87bn). The airline says the growth is due to the large increase in the number of business travellers it has experienced due to the launch of the new Upper Class Suite. Virgin Atlantic will launch flights between London and Montego Bay on July 3 and will add a sixth daily service between London and New York from July 1. The airline will also be starting a second daily service between London and Hong Kong, initially four times a week from November 2006 and then daily from February 2007. Sue Lewitton (suel@nowmedia.co.za)