Virgin Atlantic, one of the world's leading long-haul airlines, has appointed Steve Griffiths as its new Chief Operating Officer. Steve replaces Lyell Strambi, who returned to Australia at the end of last year. Steve Griffiths is currently the Director of Engineering for Virgin Atlantic and is responsible for all aspects of aircraft engineering and maintenance. His new role as COO will encompass Engineering, Operations, Airports, Cabin Crew, Product and Cargo.

Commenting on his appointment, Steve said:

"I am honoured to have been selected for this role and look forward to contributing to Virgin Atlantic's success over the next 25 years. We have a great team, at all levels, and I am confident that we will emerge even stronger as a business from the current downturn."

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive, added:

"Steve has progressed rapidly through Virgin Atlantic and has displayed great leadership within our engineering team. He has a first rate understanding of what makes Virgin Atlantic tick and what the issues are going forward at a time of unprecedented challenge. He is a great asset to have within the leadership team."

Steve Griffiths joined Virgin Atlantic in 1995 in Propulsion Engineering and has held the position of Propulsion Manager, Technical & Design Manager and General Manager � Continuing Airworthiness responsible for Fleet Engineering, Propulsion, Design, Reliability, Maintenance Planning, Airworthiness Records and Outsourced Maintenance. Steve was promoted to the position of Director of Engineering in July 2007..

After starting his career with Rolls-Royce plc, where he completed his apprenticeship and obtained an engineering degree, Steve went on to become a senior engineer in the Product Support & Engineering division before leaving to join Virgin Atlantic.

Steve takes up the new role from 16th March 2009.

For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on 01293 747373 or log onto www.virginatlantic.com