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South Norwalk, CT (Feb. 13, 2010) - Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, has today criticized the preliminary decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation to allow British Airways and American Airlines’ anti-competitive alliance to go ahead, unbelievably only requiring four Heathrow slot pairs to remedy the competitive harm.



In recent months two competition authorities have cited grave concerns about this anti-competitive alliance which makes it all the more unbelievable that the DOT has given it the go-ahead, with what can only be described as token slot divestments.



Sir Richard Branson commented;



"This preliminary decision beggars belief. The DOT last time said that in order to address the competitive harms, hundreds of slot pairs had to be handed over permanently - absolutely nothing has changed since then. Four slot pairs is a complete joke and those responsible for this decision should hang their heads in shame.



"The U.S. Department of Justice, who are the experts in competition issues, called for strict remedies to protect the public interest, because the alliance will blatantly harm competition and the consumer. The Department of Transportation has chosen to stick two fingers up at them. Millions of trans-Atlantic travelers will be adversely affected if the alliance receives final approval.



"In my personal opinion, this draft decision is a real kick in the teeth for consumers and they will be paying the price for it for years to come.



"I urge the European Commission continue its more consumer focused approach when it takes its decision in the coming weeks."



Virgin Atlantic needs to study the comments in detail and consider its formal response to the Show Cause Order.



For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office at(203) 750-2570 or visitwww.virginatlantic.com

Notes to Editors:

The key points of Virgin Atlantic's opposition to the proposed merger include:



BA/AA will use their exemption from competition laws and their overwhelming dominance to destroy competition, raise prices and reduce choice



BA/AA will have a monopoly or be dominant on some of the busiest and most profitable routes between the U.S. and Heathrow



Heathrow Airport is unique in Europe. Unlike other European hubs Heathrow is virtually full preventing competitors from challenging the dominance of BA and AA. BA/AA would have 47% of slots at Heathrow.



In terms of capacity BA and AA would control:

-LHR- BOS 80%

-LHR-DFW 100%

-LHR-JFK 62%

-LHR - LAX 48%

-LHR-MIA 70%

-LHR-ORD 68%





About Virgin Atlantic Airways
Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, was founded in 1984, and currently has 38 aircraft in its fleet. Virgin Atlantic offers service from 10 U.S. cities to London and onto a range of long-haul destinations worldwide. From its main base in London Heathrow and Gatwick, Virgin Atlantic services destinations as far apart as Las Vegas, Tokyo, Delhi, Boston and Shanghai. Sir Richard Branson is the President of Virgin Atlantic; Steve Ridgway is the Chief Executive. Even with Virgin Atlantic’s continued growth, the service still remains customer driven with an emphasis on value for money, quality, fun and innovation, ensuring flying Virgin Atlantic is always an event.