London Calling: Virgin Atlantic Selected as Charter Airline for Tampa Bay Buccaneers & New England Patriots for 2009 NFL Pepsi Max International

London Calling: Virgin Atlantic Selected as Charter Airline for Tampa Bay Buccaneers & New England Patriots for 2009 NFL Pepsi Max International Series

SOUTH NORWALK, Conn., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the world's leading long-haul airlines, today announced it is the charter airline for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots, who will play in the NFL Pepsi Max International Series game at London's Wembley Stadium on Sunday, October 25.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091023/NY96807-a )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091023/NY96807-b )



Both teams will be traveling onboard a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747-400 aircraft to London Heathrow. The New England Patriots departed on Thursday, Oct. 22 from Boston Logan Airport and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers departed early on Friday, Oct. 23 from Tampa International Airport. Both teams are set to return to the U.S. on Monday, Oct. 26 following the game.

Joining the teams onboard the Virgin Atlantic flights are coaches, team support staff, and corporate sponsors. Each aircraft has been specially managed to accommodate the teams' needs, ensuring maximum space and comfort throughout each of Virgin Atlantic's cabins. From Upper Class to Economy, the players, coaches and guests will also enjoy specialized menus, 300+ hours of in-flight entertainment programming as well as the airline's legendary service.

Chris Rossi, Senior VP of North America at Virgin Atlantic, said: "We are honored to be flying these two championship organizations to London for what will be a memorable experience for the players, coaches and fans on both sides of the pond. Hosting this game in London is also a great opportunity for us to remind consumers that there's never been a better time to go to London especially for fans looking to catch their favorite team. Getting there on Virgin Atlantic and experiencing our great service, entertainment, comfort and incredible value for money ensure that every traveler will have an unforgettable journey."

"We are excited to be traveling overseas to participate in the International Series in what is certainly one of our season's highlights," said Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vice President of Business Administration Brian Ford. "We always look forward to connecting with our extended fan base in opposing NFL cities and now through the services of Virgin Atlantic, we will be afforded the unique opportunity to unite with our extensive fan base throughout the United Kingdom for the first time. The entire team and extended party will certainly benefit from Virgin Atlantic's exceptional service allowing us to prepare for the game on Sunday."

"We are proud to be selected by the NFL to be highlighted in this year's International Series in London," said New England Patriots Chief Administrative Officer Jim Hausmann.

"We know that we have a lot of passionate Patriots fans in England and many more from New England who will be traveling across the pond for this game. For our players, playing on the hallowed grounds of Wembley Stadium, staying in London and traveling overseas on a Virgin Atlantic 747 will be among the many memorable experiences that will last a lifetime."

Virgin Atlantic flies to London and beyond and is celebrating its 25th birthday this year.

For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office at

(203) 750-2570 or visit www.virginatlantic.com.