THIS WEEK: BA strikes a deal with Virgin on air

Bitter rivals British Airways and Virgin are to become partners for the

first time in a new travel service set to launch on Virgin Radio.

The move could embarrass Richard Branson, who has fought a long legal

battle with BA over its ‘dirty tricks’ campaign. However, Virgin Radio

said Branson has given the deal his backing.

The link-up suggests that Virgin and BA may bury the hatchet.

The travel service is a new expansion of Virgin Radio’s Orange

Directory, which was set up last year to allow listeners to book concert

tickets over the phone.

The advertising and sponsorship deal was originally offered to Virgin

Atlantic, but was turned down. Now Virgin’s rival will be promoted on

air and listeners encouraged to book BA holidays.

Lee Roberts, deputy sales director of Virgin, said: ‘BA is a bigger

partner to have because it has more destinations than Virgin. And now

that it has advertised with us, it opens the door for companies that

compete with other Virgin brands.’

This article was first published on Marketing