SkyTeam has announced the winners of The Aviation Challenge 2025, recognising airlines that have delivered measurable sustainability improvements through collaboration, innovation and real-world operational change across global aviation.

For UK-based business travel programmes, the initiative highlights how airlines are reducing emissions, advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel adoption and supporting more responsible business travel without compromising network performance or traveller experience.

Virgin Atlantic has launched High Five, a new Flying Club initiative that rewards long-term loyalty by granting eligible members 12,000 Virgin Points for flying with the airline across five different years, with flight tracking backdated to 1 January 2021.

For UK-based business travellers, the scheme enhances the value of business travel by recognising consistent airline choice over time, offering faster access to meaningful rewards and bonus points on future flights.

Virgin Atlantic has reissued the iconic Princess Diana “Fly Virgin Atlantic” pullover to mark its 30th anniversary, with each sale supporting Save the Children.

The limited-edition jumper offers business travellers a nostalgic yet purposeful connection to one of the airline’s most recognisable moments.

Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that Chief Executive Shai Weiss will step down at the end of 2025, with Corneel Koster set to take over from 1 January 2026.

The leadership change ensures continuity for UK-based business travellers who rely on Virgin Atlantic’s reliability, innovation and premium service. Koster’s appointment signals a smooth handover and a continued focus on enhancing the business travel experience across the airline’s global network.

Virgin Atlantic has made English sparkling wine Hambledon Classic Cuvée a permanent feature in Upper Class, offering business travellers a distinctly British touch at 35,000 feet.

The move reflects the airline’s commitment to premium quality and enhances the in-flight experience for UK-based corporate travellers.

Virgin Atlantic is set to transform business travel by becoming the first UK airline to offer free, streaming-quality, unlimited Wi-Fi across its entire fleet using Starlink technology by 2027, alongside a major cabin refurbishment of its Boeing 787-9 fleet starting in 2028 and the introduction of ten A330neo aircraft with expanded premium cabins from Q3 2026.

Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic have announced a partnership that will bring electric air taxi services to the UK, offering zero-emission, short-range journeys to and from key airports, including Heathrow and Manchester.