Virgin Atlantic has been named the official airline partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, ending British Airways’ two-decade association with the teams.
Under the new partnership, Virgin Atlantic will transport athletes and support staff to and from the Games, which will be held in Los Angeles in 2028. Virgin Atlantic Holidays has also been appointed the official holiday partner, offering supporters organised trips to California for the sporting events.
British Airways had held the official airline partnership since the Beijing 2008 Games. The airline’s partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB covered four consecutive Games, spanning a period that included several highly successful campaigns for British athletes.
Virgin Atlantic currently operates three daily flights between London and Los Angeles, providing a direct link between the UK and the host city.
The airline said it will provide additional support for athletes, including tailored airport check-in arrangements, extra baggage allowances and specialist handling for sports and accessibility equipment.
Virgin Atlantic will also participate in team announcements and events welcoming athletes home after the Games. These celebrations are expected to include special “Welcome Home” events in the UK.
The partnership will also focus on improving accessibility in air travel. Virgin Atlantic and ParalympicsGB plan to develop an accessible travel programme using feedback from athletes, disability specialists and people with lived experience of disability.
The programme is intended to improve staff training and provide better guidance on accessibility across the airline.
Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson welcomed the partnership, saying the airline would support athletes throughout their journey to Los Angeles and their return home.
Team GB chair Dame Katherine Grainger said preparing for an Olympic Games requires a large team effort long before athletes arrive at the competition. She welcomed Virgin Atlantic’s role in supporting the team’s travel and helping connect fans with the athletes.
ParalympicsGB chief executive David Clarke said the partnership would involve transporting the team while also working toward making air travel more accessible and inclusive.
To mark the announcement, Branson joined Team GB gymnast Jake Jarman and ParalympicsGB cyclist Kadeena Cox for gymnastics and cycling challenges.
The new agreement comes as Virgin Atlantic and British Airways continue to compete for passengers in the UK aviation market. The airlines have previously targeted each other’s frequent-flyer customers through loyalty offers and other promotions.
Financial details of the Team GB and ParalympicsGB agreement were not disclosed.
The partnership gives Virgin Atlantic a prominent role in the build-up to LA 2028 and places the airline at the centre of Team GB and ParalympicsGB’s international travel plans for the Games.
