PRESS RELEASE
The Royal Air Force Museum has officially announced a new partnership with Virgin Atlantic, naming the renowned airline as the Museum’s official airline partner. This collaboration marks a significant step in the Museum’s efforts to preserve and celebrate aviation history while fostering transatlantic connections.
The partnership emphasizes a shared commitment to inspire the public with the RAF’s remarkable story and support aviation heritage. Virgin Atlantic will now provide transatlantic flights for Museum representatives between the UK and the USA, allowing them to attend events hosted by the RAF Museum American Foundation. These events play a key role in advancing the Museum’s fundraising efforts in the United States.
Edward Sharman, Head of Development at the RAF Museum, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “We are thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic as our first Official Airline Partner. They join us in our mission to inspire everyone with the RAF story, the people who shape it, and its place in our lives. Their strong connections between the UK and the USA will significantly enhance our engagement with supporters in the United States. As a registered charity, this additional support for the Museum will help ensure the continued care of our exhibitions and collections. With a shared passion and dedication to aviation, I am very excited about the benefits this partnership will bring as the Museum continues to grow and honor the legacy of the RAF.”
Virgin Atlantic, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in June, formalized the partnership during a visit to the RAF Museum’s London site. The airline’s corporate team toured the Museum, explored its facilities, and learned more about the exhibits with the help of Museum volunteers. As part of the new partnership, Virgin Atlantic employees will enjoy special benefits, including behind-the-scenes experiences, access to public events, venue hire discounts, and corporate volunteering opportunities at the Museum’s sites in London and the Midlands.
Thomas Maynard, Director of Global Corporate Sales at Virgin Atlantic, commented on the collaboration: “The USA is Virgin Atlantic’s heartland, so we’re delighted to support the RAF Museum as its Official Airline Partner, flying guests across the Atlantic in style. Our mission is to inspire everyone to take on the world, and our partnership will further enable the RAF Museum to educate guests about the RAF’s incredible history and its role in the fascinating world of aviation.” This exciting partnership promises to enhance the RAF Museum’s international engagement and further the preservation of aviation history, reinforcing the legacy of the Royal Air Force on both sides of the Atlantic. For more information www.rafmuseum.org.uk.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
What a stupid story. Why does a museum need an official airline partner? Are the volunteers contently jetting around the world?