Virgin Atlantic Adds Cocktails and Sweet Treats To Celebrate Its June 22 Ruby Anniversary

Updated: May 30, 2024, 12:39pm CDT

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Virgin Atlantic’s 40th Birthday Celebrations
Final Thoughts

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The only way is Ruby for Virgin Atlantic this summer, as it turns 40 years old!

As the color and word “Ruby” are important parts of the Virgin brand, the airline is pulling out all the stops to celebrate this Ruby anniversary.

“As we gear up to our Ruby anniversary, we are delighted to celebrate this milestone with our loyal customers, in our Clubhouses and onboard,” said Siobhan Fitzpatrick, chief experience officer at Virgin Atlantic. “For 4 decades, we’ve been there for the moments that matter and are committed to giving our customers the very best experience in the skies.”

Whether on the ground or in the air, here’s what you can expect when traveling with Virgin this coming June.

Virgin Atlantic’s 40th Birthday Celebrations

Virgin Atlantic will add a special 40th birthday logo to the new products introduced for its celebration in June. Starting June 1, and for the rest of the month, the London-based carrier will serve celebratory treats on the ground and in the air to commemorate the milestone.

On the Ground

No birthday would be complete without a cake. For that reason, Virgin will serve a signature red velvet sponge cake across its lounge network.

Passengers in the Clubhouse will also be able to sip a new cocktail named “Maiden Voyager,” while grooving to some 80s music that passengers from 1984 might remember.

Virgin Atlantic 40 food and drinks — Celebrate Virgin’s 40th birthday with a commemorative cocktail, beer, or slice of red velvet cake. Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

Named after the aircraft that flew the Virgin’s first-ever flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Newark (EWR), the Maiden Voyager cocktail is a modern take on the classic ‘Woo Woo.’

Exclusively at Virgin’s London Heathrow Clubhouse, premium passengers and elite status holders can sip on a special limited-edition 40th birthday pale ale brewed locally in Wimbledon.

Virgin Atlantic 40 uniforms 1 — Can you match the uniform with the era? Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

In the Air

For the first time ever, Virgin’s signature Virgin Redhead cocktail will be permanently featured on the in-flight menu. While it’ll be free for Upper Class (business class) passengers, a can of the fruity vodka and Prosecco-based cocktail will cost £5 ($6.30) for those in premium economy or economy.

Virgin Redhead cans — Cans of Virgin’s Redhead cocktail. Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

What better way to celebrate a birthday than adding special, limited-time items to the airline’s much-loved Mile High Afternoon Tea? Passengers in all cabins where Mile High Afternoon Tea is served (such as daytime flights from the U.K. back to the U.S.) will enjoy delicious new additions.

Virgin Atlantic 40 afternoon tea — Mile High Afternoon Tea with a Ruby anniversary twist. Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

In Upper, there’ll be the usual selection of mini sandwiches, an elderflower and blueberry scone, a slice of lemon and blackcurrant birthday cake, and a raspberry macaron topped with the special 40th birthday logo.

Also in premium economy, afternoon tea will feature a mini lemon and bergamot polenta cake. Passengers in both upper class and premium economy will be offered a Virgin Redhead to go with their afternoon tea.

For those in economy, the celebratory afternoon tea will include a mini beetroot swirl bagel, a warm scone, and a lemon drizzle birthday cake. Instead of the Virgin Redhead cocktail, economy passengers will be offered a glass of English sparkling wine.

Hot Tip:

Virgin Atlantic flies nonstop to the U.K. from nearly a dozen cities across America. Thanks to the airline being a transfer partner of many rewards programs, it’s easy enough to earn Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points to snag an award seat in Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class.

Final Thoughts

Virgin is commemorating its Ruby anniversary for the entire month of June by serving new and updated sweet treats and beverages for all passengers on the ground and in the air. If you find yourself on a Virgin Atlantic flight next month, be sure to try a Maiden Voyage cocktail and have a slice of the cake for us.