Team size: 15 

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in? 

We have been busy preparing for the launch of some exciting new routes across three continents and welcomed new, next generation Airbus A350 and A330 neo aircraft into our fleet, to reduce our average fleet age which, at 6.5 years, is industry leading. 

As a business we remain focused on developing world class partnerships. In additional to our expanded joint venture with Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM, other major projects have included Virgin Atlantic successfully joining the wider SkyTeam alliance in March 2023. 

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years? 

The ways general counsel achieve goals might change. Hybrid working will need to be carefully balanced with the need to ensure a culture of teamwork and collaboration. I see it as being an important part of my role to continue to carefully monitor my team’s working practices and that of the wider business – with the aim of ensuring we continue to engender collaboration to promote effectiveness and success. 

What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in the United Kingdom?  

Customers will desire greater personalisation; travellers will want to tailor their experience – whether digital or physical – and will continue to expect innovation from the travel industry. They will also be choosier over the key brands they purchase from, being loyal to purposeful brands.   

At Virgin Atlantic, we see a need to continue to champion the rich individuality of our customers and our people, who continue to set us apart. We have pioneered new policies, most recently with make-up, tattoos, and gender identity, so that everyone feels able to bring their true selves to work. 

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company? 

We remain committed to achieving net zero by 2050 and have two main levers available to reduce carbon; the fleet we operate and the fuel we consume. The general counsel’s office plays a leading role in our sustainability ambitions. The acquisition of new aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels requires ongoing legal guidance and expertise.  

By 2027, 100% of our fleet will be next generation, which will build on our successful reduction in carbon emissions to date. Use of sustainable aviation fuels presents an immediate and exciting opportunity to deliver life cycle carbon reductions of up to 70%.