Why do Virgin name their planes?
Why do Virgin name their planes? Our names take inspiration from music, film, literature, food, Cockney rhyming slang and more – especially if there's a British link. Sometimes we look back at previous names of retired aircraft that are just too good not to use again.
What is the nickname of the 747?
Boeing 747: Jumbo Jet, Whale, The Valiant, Upstairs and Downstairs, Lump, Humpback, Queen of the Skies (used for many aircraft but probably mostly the 747), the Aluminum Overcast.
Why are Virgin Airlines called Virgin?
The name Virgin arose in 1970 when Richard Branson and Nik Powell formed a record shop, first as mail order and in 1971 with a physical store. They considered themselves virgins in business. Branson has described the V in the logo as an expressive tick, representing the Virgin seal of approval.
Why do pilots call their plane heavy?
The word heavy means a larger aircraft type, with a Maximum Takeoff Weight of 160 tonnes or more. These aircraft create wake turbulence from their wings and require extra separation between following aircraft, and the use of heavy reminds other pilots of that fact.
Why is 747 called jumbo?
It was nicknamed the “jumbo jet” because of its huge size. The 747 entered service in 1970, flying more than 350 people across the Atlantic Ocean between New York and London, England. The 747 carried so many people that tickets were cheaper than on smaller airliners.
What is the nickname of the A380?
Nicknamed Superjumbo, the first A380, MSN003, was delivered to Singapore Airlines on 15 October 2007 and entered service on 25 October 2007 with flight number SQ380 between Singapore and Sydney.
Why is the 747 no longer popular?
Built in 1967 to produce the mammoth jet, it remains the world's largest manufacturing plant according to Boeing. But after five decades, customer demand for the 747 eroded as Boeing and Airbus (AIR.PA) developed more fuel efficient two-engine widebody planes.
How safe is Virgin Atlantic?
As an airline, we take safety and security extremely seriously. Our safety and security programme exceeds statutory requirements and we always go beyond the basic regulatory standards. We believe that safety and security can be continuously improved.