Virgin Atlantic Charters San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos Across the Pond for the NFL International Series

SOUTH NORWALK, Conn., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the world's leading long-haul airlines, announced today it teamed up with the National Football League to fly the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos to London for the 2010 Pepsi Max International Series.

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Returning as the charter airline for the second year, Virgin Atlantic is thrilled to be taking part in the NFL International Series as it is an honor to work with such an exceptional and well-known brand.

Chris Rossi, Senior Vice President, North America at Virgin Atlantic commented:  
"As a brand that was built on an entrepreneurial foundation and constantly strives to challenge itself, it is important for us to align with an organization that has similar values and is seen as more than a brand, but an experience. Aligning Virgin Atlantic and the NFL is a natural fit, and we are thrilled to continue the relationship with the NFL International Series and work with the 49ers and Broncos to make the London flights a memorable experience."

The two Virgin Atlantic chartered aircraft have been specially managed to accommodate the teams' needs, ensuring a comfortable passenger experience throughout each of Virgin Atlantic's three cabins, Upper Class, Premium Economy and Economy and maximum space for equipment. In-flight the teams will enjoy specialized menus, 300+ hours of in-flight entertainment programming as well as Virgin Atlantic's legendary service.

This relationship will help drive awareness to potential new fliers and showcase the brand and all its unique offerings to the teams.  

Virgin Atlantic has leveraged the agreement by reaching the NFL base through a San Francisco radio promotion on KNBR that gave Bay Area residents the chance to win a die-hard NFL fan's dream experience including Virgin Atlantic flights, tickets to the game and NFL VIP experiences. Virgin Atlantic's loyalty program, Flying Club, offered its members the chance to experience the game and London by entering a sweepstakes to win two Premium Economy tickets, two nights at St. Martin's Lane and game day seats.

Chris Rossi, Senior Vice President, North America at Virgin Atlantic continued:  
"This collaboration allows Virgin Atlantic to connect with new fliers and further emphasize our U.S. route network to the U.K. Working with the NFL gives Virgin Atlantic the valuable opportunity to expand our exposure to the American football fan base and is another step in our efforts to make Virgin Atlantic the airline of choice from the U.S. to London."

This will be the fourth installment of the NFL hosting an International Series game at London's famed Wembley Stadium, and giving the United Kingdom a taste of competitive Regular Season American football action.  

Chris Parsons, Vice President, NFL International said:
"It's an exciting time for the NFL as we return to the UK for the International Series and continue our relationship with Virgin Atlantic. We are two powerful brands born on opposite sides of the pond, that when combined, create a powerful team. It's a natural fit for the NFL to align with such an established international brand, and we look forward to bringing American football to Virgin Atlantic's home base."

In addition to supporting the NFL International Series through the charter flights, Virgin Atlantic will extend the agreement with a range of sponsorship activity in the UK.  This will include reaching U.S. and U.K. American football fans at the first-ever NFL public fan rally at Trafalgar Square, becoming the presenting sponsor aboard the NFL's Saturday night river cruise and hosting a hospitality event for key customers and guests at Wembley Stadium.

The international game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the U.K. at 5:00 p.m. GMT and on select CBS affiliates in the U.S. at 1:00 p.m. ET.

For further information please contact the U.S. Virgin Atlantic Press Office at (203) 750-2570 or log onto www.virginatlantic.com.

SOURCE Virgin Atlantic