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Virgin Atlantic secures $745 million loan against Heathrow slots to invest in fleet revamp

Aircraft
James Chapple
13 November 2025

Virgin Atlantic has attracted nearly $750 million in fresh funding, secured against its take off and landing slots at Heathrow airport, which it will invest in upgrading its fleet.

Virgin Atlantic's Upper cabin
(Credit: Virgin Atlantic)

Virgin will use the cash to invest in its Upper and Premium cabins (Credit: Virgin Atlantic)

Virgin said the $745 million deal with asset management firm Apollo would "further strengthen" its balance sheet and fund "continued investment" in its premium customer offering.

This will see Virgin from 2028 refurbish its entire fleet Boeing 787-9 aircraft with the introduction of upgraded interiors and expanded Upper and Premium cabins.

Meanwhile, 10 new Airbus A330neo aircraft will begin to join the Virgin fleet starting from Q3 2026, which will feature expanded Premium cabins and six Retreat suites.

The cash will also allow Virgin to roll out free "streaming quality" Starlink WiFi across its entire fleet.