Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, has appointed Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R and its affiliates to handle its global advertising account.

Two other leading agencies, GyroHSR and OMD, have also been appointed to handle Virgin Atlantic’s below-the-line work and media buying on a global basis.

Paul Dickinson, Sales & Marketing Director for Virgin Atlantic, said:

"We have conducted a thorough review of our global advertising needs and concluded that Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R and its affiliates will continue to help build our global brand consistency. We have been very well supported by local agencies around the world for some years but believe the time is right to focus our strategy as we plan for a new phase of growth."

Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R helped develop Virgin Atlantic’s successful 25th birthday campaign earlier this year and have won a string of awards for their work with the airline over the last fifteen years.

Richard Exon, CEO of RKCR/Y&R, added:

"The opportunity for us to extend our remit globally is a fantastic endorsement of our relationship with Virgin Atlantic. We look forward to doing more standout creative work for the world’s most dynamic airline."

For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Officeon +44 (0) 1293 747373 or log ontowww.virginatlantic.com

Virgin Atlantic, the award-winning long-haul airline, today unveiled its new baggage policy � making it as easy as 123 for travellers. From 25 November 2009, Virgin Atlantic will be introducing a �piece system� across its network for all tickets booked after that date.

The changes are easy for passengers to remember:

Economy 1 � passengers can check-in 1 bag weighing up to 23 kilos

Premium Economy 2 � passengers can check-in 2 bags each weighing up to 23 kilos

Upper Class 3 � passengers can check-in up to 3 bags each weighing up to 23 kilos

Virgin Atlantic is also continuing to offer one of the airline industry’s most generous sporting bag allowances, enabling all passengers to check-in one additional bag weighing up to 23 kilos that contains sporting equipment, such as a golf bag, scuba diving equipment, or ski equipment. Virgin Atlantic is the only UK long-haul airline enabling passengers to check-in surfboards.

In addition, Flying Club Gold Card holders are entitled to take one additional bag on top of their free allowance, in any cabin. If travelling in Upper Class, this means Gold Card passengers can check-in up to four bags.

Passengers wanting to check-in extra bags will pay for each piece, with each extra bag costing £32/US$48 if paid for online. Higher charges will apply at airport check-in.

Chris Birch, Head of Product, Virgin Atlantic, said:

"Passengers can now benefit from one of the simplest and most generous baggage policies in the industry. It means lower charges for passengers wishing to take additional bags and a great allowance for those going on a sporting trip."

Economy passengers travelling between Heathrow and Nairobi, and Heathrow and Lagos, will continue to be able to check-in two bags if travelling in economy.

Any passenger holding a ticket booked and ticketed before 25 November 2009 will be entitled to Virgin Atlantic’s existing baggage allowance. Any bags weighing over 32 kilos will not be accepted.

For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on +44 (0) 1293 747373 or log