All Things Travel: Virgin Atlantic Celebrates 20 Years Of Boston-to-London
BOSTON (CBS) - Virgin Atlantic is celebrating its 20th Anniversary of its daily service to London.
For Senior Vice President Chris Rossi, who grew up in Quincy and started his career at Logan Airport 19 years ago, it's been a great ride.
Rossi was the speaker Wednesday night at the British American Business Council of New England held at the Boston offices of Bingham McCutchen LLP.
The title of his remarks was: Innovation In The Skies.
Virgin has its U.S. headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut.
Rossi travels about 40 percent of the time, setting the overall strategy and direction for Virgin Atlantic North America including airport operations, customer service, finance, sales and marketing.
Rossi remembers well his first meeting with Chairman Sir Richard Branson.
Branson and Rossi set off to find some luggage carriers to help upper class customers get to the departure gate at Logan Airport.
"You don't forget things like that," said Rossi during an interview prior to the presentation last night.
"Service and value for money spent have allowed us to grow the business here."
On November 1, Virgin rolled out its new economy class meal service for passengers.
It is a four-course presentation that remains free and includes all beverages.
First will come a welcome cocktail, followed by a main course selection, dessert and extensive snack service once the lights are dimmed and the extensive entertainment options begin.
The upgraded meal service will be served on smaller, soft touch, and non-slip metal trays with redesigned cutlery.
Boston to London is a highly competitive route and Virgin has grown its share of the business, despite only offering one flight a day.
"Boston is an interesting market," added Rossi.
"We have worked hard to earn loyalty from passengers and travel agents. We have been supported at both ends."
That statement refers to traffic both coming and going from the U.K.
Rossi points to the important business, student and medical tourism to Boston as helping to build their business.
As part of its anniversary year, Virgin raised more than $20,000 for Children's Hospital in Boston and plans to continue this association.
Virgin is phasing in new AS330 aircraft and expects to have wi-fi service on its transatlantic routes by 2014.
Bob Weiss and "All Things Travel" can be heard weekends on WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
