July 14, 2006

VIRGIN NIGERIA WOOS CUSTOMERS WITH ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM

Lagos, 14, July, 2006: Nigeria's flag carrier Virgin Nigeria has announced that it has launched a first-of-its-kind online payment for its teeming customers in a move that is set to revolutionise the airline industry in Nigeria. The news comes shortly after the airline celebrated its first birthday after a highly successful initial year.

This online payment system which was initiated in partnership with UBA means that Virgin Nigeria's customers will enjoy the convenience of not just booking, but also paying online using InterSwitch debit cards. Other airlines currently only take credit cards and just do this for international flights.

InterSwitch the company responsible for the online payment system has an enviable track record in its industry and is the company of choice for financial institutions who require the utmost security. The addition of Virgin Nigeria to its list of clients marks a major achievement for the company and the country.

Director, Marketing & Corporate Development, Dr, Yemi Osindero said, "To be a world class airline it is necessary to constantly reach new heights and meet international standards. As a result we are constantly thinking of ways in which we can improve our services and we believe that this system will definitely benefit our customers."

According to statistics available, Virgin Nigeria's website currently receives an average of 164,000+ hits a day and over 70% of these translate to bookings and ticketing. The belief is that the other 30% will be encouraged to make use of this medium which would lead to increased loyalty to the brand.

Dr. Yemi Osindero, added, "The process is simple; all customers need to do is carryout the normal booking process then click the option of 'pay now' and enter their debit card number and pin number. They then receive an e-ticket receipt via email which can be used to check in. InterSwitch's technology is such that customers can rest assured that it is a safe and secure method."

Virgin Nigeria hopes this is one of the many ways the company can take the lead in demonstrating that Nigeria is a country to be reckoned with on the world stage, as well as showing itself to be a company of firsts.

About Virgin Nigeria:
Virgin Nigeria is the registered, fully private sector flag carrier of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, owned 51% by Nigerian Institutional shareholders and 49% by Virgin Atlantic.

The airline operates the following

intercontinental services:
Lagos to London: Daily
Johannesburg: Three times a week
Dubai: Three times a week

Regional services:
Accra: Daily
Douala: Two times a week
Dakar: Two times a week

Domestic services:
Lagos - Abuja: Six times daily
***Lagos - Port Harcourt: Four times daily now temporarily cancelled
***Abuja - Port Harcourt: Once daily now temporarily cancelled
Lagos - Kano: Five times a week
Abuja - Kano: Five times a week

For reservations, call (01) 460 0505; (01) 271 1111; (09) 461 0505; (084) 460505

For all press enquiries, please contact: corporatecommunications@virginnigeria.com

For media information in Nigeria only, please contact Corporate Communications, 3rd floor, Ark towers, Plot 17 Ligali Ayorinde Street, VI, or corpcomm@virginnigeria.com; 234 -1 – 2711144

For media information in the UK please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on 01293 747 373.