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Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, has today announced it is to be the Official Airline Supplier to the England World Cup squad.

Virgin Atlantic is providing the England team with its own plane which will fly direct from London Heathrow to Johannesburg on 2 June, ready for the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Airbus A340-600 will carry the England Manager and his 23 man squad along with its key support team.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, said:

"It is a great honour for Virgin Atlantic to be carrying the England team to Johannesburg. We are thrilled they have chosen to fly with Virgin Atlantic on our award-winning Upper Class Suite and promise they will be looked after in style by our world-class cabin crew, so that when they arrive in Johannesburg they are fit and ready to take on the world. I, along with everyone at Virgin Atlantic, am sure they will make England proud!"

Ian Watmore, Chief Executive of The FA, said:

"I am delighted that we are able to launch England’s campaign in South Africa in such a high quality manner and we are very pleased to be in the capable hands of Sir Richard and Virgin Atlantic. It is a winning combination and I hope that bodes well for the tournament."

The England Team will enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning Upper Class Suite, the longest fully flat bed in Business Class and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system. The menu will be tailored specifically to the players’ requirements. The Team will also speed through the airline’s Upper Class Wing at Heathrow’s Terminal 3, with its private security channel. Virgin Atlantic will carry The England Team on an Airbus A340-600.

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

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For further information call the FA on 0844 980 0700

Notes to Editors

The FA has committed to offsetting the carbon emissions generated from its travel to and from the tournament and is currently working in partnership with the Department of Energy and Climate Change to identify suitable projects to support. Details of this arrangement will be announced by The FA before the World Cup.