Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long haul airlines, has launched new round-the-world fares from London Heathrow.

Passengers will be offered two ticket options for their round-the-world trip – ‘Virgin Global East’ and ‘Virgin Global West’. The ‘Virgin Global East’ option takes passengers from Heathrow to Hong Kong and then onto Sydney with Virgin Atlantic, from Sydney to Los Angeles with V Australia, returning from Los Angeles to London with Virgin Atlantic. The ‘Virgin Global West’ option takes passengers from London Heathrow to Los Angeles with Virgin Atlantic, then onto Sydney with V Australia, from Sydney to Hong Kong and then back to London with Virgin Atlantic.

The launch of the new fares coincide with Sir Richard Branson’s ‘Round the world in 8 days’ tour, celebrating the 25th birthday of Virgin Atlantic and the launch of V Australia on Friday, 27 February 2009.

Speaking today in Sydney, Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, said:

"Passengers now have a fantastic choice to make - which way to go around the world with Virgin! The combination of Virgin Atlantic and V Australia offers travellers huge flexibility in their global planning and some of the best value round the world fares available. The destinations are also some of the most exciting in the world."

Richard has been celebrating the launch of the new global Virgin network and Virgin Atlantic’s 25th birthday by travelling around the world in 8 days. The charismatic boss is also on the lookout to find the world’s best ‘Richard look-alike’. Those who bear an uncanny resemblance to the Virgin Atlantic President and need more information about the competition can visit Virgin Atlantic’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/virginatlantic and simply upload their picture for a chance to win a VIP trip to New York and attend the airline’s 25th birthday party.

The special round the world launch fare of £1239 (including all taxes and charges) is valid for departures from London Heathrow between 25 February and 19 April 2009 and is available for sale until 6 March 2009.

Passengers can book these round the world fares by calling the Virgin Atlantic Contact Centre on 08705 747747.

For further information please contact: Virgin Atlantic Press Office on +44 (0) 1293 747373 or log onto www.virginatlantic.com