(Published 30 Aug 05)

Virgin Atlantic has now introduced the critically acclaimed travel content from Rough Guides to its inflight entertainment system.

For the first time, and exclusively to Virgin Atlantic, Rough Guides have provided in depth and comprehensive material from over 25 of their guidebooks. The Rough Guides allow passengers to search for accommodation, restaurants, attractions and read about the local culture for their destination without having to leave the comfort of their seat.

Virgin Atlantic aircraft are fitted with personal TV’s for every passenger regardless of what class they are travelling in. The Rough Guides will be available on the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system v:port which offers audio and video-on-demand, seatback text messaging, multiplayer games, language courses and relaxation programming.

Catherine Stewart, Digital Media Manager, Virgin Atlantic, commented

“We are immensely excited to offer Rough Guides onboard Virgin Atlantic flights. Our passengers now have the opportunity to utilise their flight time to find out about the history and culture of their destination, plus do a bit of last-minute research on hotels, restaurants and activities so that they can make the most of their trip.”

Geoff Colquitt, marketing Director for Rough Guides in North America said:

“Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to services provided to their

customers coupled with Rough Guide’s internationally acclaimed travel content makes the coming together of our companies a natural. Together, we are bringing the best most accurate travel content available in the world to the Virgin Atlantic flier via cutting-edge inflight technology. Rough Guide’s simply could not be happier about our partnership with Virgin Atlantic.”

The exclusive partnership between Rough Guides and Virgin Atlantic also includes airplay of Rough Guides World Music CDs and distribution of promotional materials in all Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses.

The Rough Guides are currently available on three aircraft and will be rolled out across the rest of the v:port aircraft during August and September 2005. Virgin Atlantic currently operates a fleet of thirteen 747-400’s, ten A340-600’s and nine A340-300’s. v:port is fitted to ten A340-600 and five 747-400’s.