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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZVARIG
Brazil's principal air carrier, Varig is the largest airline in Latin America. It averages 451 takeoffs per day and flies to 19 countries on four continents, transporting approximately 11 million passengers per year. In Brazil, Varig, Rio Sul and Nordeste have combined their fleets and schedules, a plan that will result in increased flight options, destinations, and direct/nonstop flights. The new joint operation will also offer more connections points for both domestic and international services. In total, the group will have 107 aircraft flying to 62 cities in 65 airports. Within South America, Varig operates regular scheduled services to Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Venezuela, in addition to daily flights from Buenos Aires to Santiago and from Asuncion to Cordoba in Argentina. This entire network was expanded in 1997, when the company joined the Star Alliance.Since 1986, Varig has offered a distinctive concept of onboard menus for First Class and Executive Class. Based on the menu of his famous restaurant, Locanda della Mimosa in Petropolis, Danio Braga created three complete menus. Braga invited chefs Francesco Carli of the restaurant Cipriano in Rio de Janeiro, Celso Freire of the Restaurante Boulevard in Curitiba, and Chef Ignacio from the restaurant Nakombi in Sao Paulo, to participate in the program "Top Chefs" in 2002. Together with Varig, they are responsible for offering quality onboard service.
Varig's First Class dining follows the restaurant philosophy, allowing passengers to choose what to eat and when to be served. The menu is composed of four appetizer options, five hot entree options, two desserts, as well as fruit and cheese. The Iranian Caviar, becoming more rare and exclusive, continues to be prominent in Varig's onboard service, which also uses the services of wine-expert Danio Braga to choose the wines for the "Wines of the World" program. In addition to the variety of programming on the big screen, the entertainment features individual video units, with seventeen programming options, including six movies in up to seven different languages. Varig First also provides travel kits with aromatherapy inspired comfort items.
Varig's Executive Class has seats that recline to 135 degrees. In addition, onboard service offers two appetizer options, four hot entree options, and one dessert, in addition to fruit and cheese plates. The beverages follow the Varig First plan and the Wines of the World program is also available. In addition to the variety of programming on TV, the entertainment in Varig Business includes individual video units, with twelve programming options including six movies in up to seven different languages. Varig Business also provides aromatherapy travel kits.
Economy Class holds pleasant surprises and quality service for passengers. For the main meals onboard international flights, the passengers are given two or three entree options, depending on the route or the length of the flight. On transoceanic flights, there is a Snack Bar, a self-service buffet with a variety of light meals. On day flights longer than five hours, the flight crew offers a Movie Snack, sandwiches and finger food to accompany your favorite beverage.
Based in Brazil and privately owned, Varig offers excellent service, decent food and, not surprisingly, good coffee. Plus, of course, Brazilian ambiance and style.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS
Back in the early 80s, when Virgin Atlantic was created, Richard Branson was a go-getting entrepreneur and head of the successful Virgin Group, probably best known for Virgin Records. Virgin is now a leader and trendsetter in long-haul travel and UK's second-largest long-haul carrier of passengers and freight, serving the world's major cities from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports.The Upper Class Cabin mood is enhanced by adjustable lighting system: a warm glow creates an intimate restaurant; a subtle low blue eases one to sleep; a simulated dawn wakes passengers up gradually. The new Upper Class seat allows for work, rest and play. Upright for dining or working, relaxed for watching TV, or ultimately fast asleep with the 6 feet of sleeping space to stretch out in. The seat's personal screens offer the latest movies, sports, comedy, drama, music and kids channels.
Virgin's Sleeper Service is available on all night flights and includes full-size pillows, duvets and fleece blankets. Passengers can also stretch their legs and chat with fellow travelers at a spacious onboard bar. The Freedom menu in Upper Class means there are no set meal times. Beauty therapy is available on all flights to and from London Heathrow, with a rejuvenating massage in a designated salon area.
Premium Economy, still provides travelers with the space to be an individual. Dedicated check in, flexible tickets and preflight champagne. Premium's seats are bigger and wider than standard economy seats, with headrests, leg rests and a full 38in/96.5cm and individual TV screens to watch the in-flight entertainment.
Flying Economy with Virgin provides passengers with individual TVs, good food and enough "stuff" to keep kids happy for hours. A choice of meals, free drinks throughout the flight and a free amenity kit are also provided.
It's an airline that always seems to be innovating, which is why most find it enjoyable and "unique." Along with a rock 'n' roll party spirit, it has helpful staff, video choices that banish boredom, splendid First Class and comfortable Economy seating, and good food. Additionally, onboard shoulder and neck massages, and a manicure service, are available. All told, it's a great way to start a European vacation -- and relatively cheaply.
VIRGIN EXPRESS
The company was founded in 1992 by the City Hotels Group as EuroBelgian Airlines (EBA). Historically, the airline was primarily a charter carrier. After the acquisition of EBA by the Virgin Group in 1996, the airline was renamed Virgin Express. Subsequently, the company took advantage of the deregulation of the airline business by accelerating its shift in emphasis from charter service towards scheduled service.Virgin Express is a low-cost airline operating scheduled services, and carries out ad hoc charter flights and some serial flights for tour operators. The airline's mission is to make air travel the most simple, convenient and inexpensive form of transportation in Europe. Virgin Express took a fresh approach to lowering airfares: Travelers can hop on a plane and reach most destinations within Europe in no time. So who needs all the little luxuries? Without them, Virgin Express is able to lower operating costs dramatically and concentrate on what matters most: quality service on a consistent basis.
Here's how: Virgin Express's Economical Internet booking enables travelers to choose the most convenient time to book a flight on their Web site: www.virgin-express.com; there's one type of aircraft (only new-generation Boeing 737 jets); pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and personnel are experts in the aircraft, which means there's no need for costly retraining or new work requirements. And there's no tickets (printing, mailing and processing tickets costs money). Instead, customers receive a reservation confirmation number and simply present this number at the Virgin Express desk at the airport, where they'll get a boarding pass for a confirmed, assigned seat. No executive lounges, no newspapers. No free meals either. Passengers get a cup of coffee or tea and a sandwich or a roll -- and a lower fare.
Flying with Virgin Express is simple and hassle-free, providing basic transportation at a low price just like easyJet, Ryanair and Southwest.
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