BA Makes Jabs at Virgin Atlantic, Virgin “Flattered”

British Airways Chief throws blows over Delta-Virgin Atlantic Relationship

The tension between British Airways and Virgin Atlantic is heating up once again. In interviews with The Telegraph and The Guardian, CEO of British Airways’ parent company, International Airlines Group, Willie Walsh made pointed comments about Virgin’s recent route shuffling and relationship with minority owner Delta Air Lines.

“Virgin is controlled by Delta,” Walsh told The Guardian. “Decisions are taken in Atlanta by the Delta management team who are one of the best in the business … Virgin has almost disappeared … Delta control Virgin, without any doubt, without any question (sic).”

The comments come nearly one month after Virgin announced an overhaul to their schedule, focusing on international and transatlantic routes shared with Delta. In September, Virgin announced a set of flights exchanged with Delta to destinations in America, including Delta hub Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Virgin chose to respond to the comments made by Walsh in a statement displaying no love lost between the two competitors. “Delta is, in our opinion, the best partner in the world, and they believe the same of us,” a Virgin Atlantic spokesman told The Telegraph. “We’re flattered [Walsh is] so rattled by Virgin Atlantic, and think this is recognition of the strength of competition to BA being delivered by the Virgin-Delta partnership.”

[Photo: British Airways]