KEN LIVINGSTONE NAMES VIRGIN AIRCRAFT 'SPIRIT OF NEW YORK'

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, today renamed a Virgin Atlantic 747 aircraft 'Spirit of New York' to represent the spirit of solidarity and support between the people of London and the people of New York.

Mr Livingstone was at Heathrow to wave off a planeload of lucky winners of a competition run by Virgin Atlantic to win free return flights to New York. Also on board are British Fire Service staff who have raised money for their colleagues in New York.

Passengers will also have the chance to meet with New York's Mayor Guiliani.

Also at the renaming ceremony were Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Atlantic Captain Steve Porter who originally came up with the idea to rename the aircraft.

Sir Richard said:

"I am thrilled that we are renaming one of our aircraft 'Spirit of New York' and equally thrilled to be taking over 400 British people with us to New York - we know that the UK public want to fly, we had enough entries to the competition to fill nearly 120 jumbos let alone one.

"It is time to start showing our support for the people of New York by flying and trading as we did prior to the tragic events of September 11.

"The economies of the US and UK benefit hugely from the exchange of people and goods between our two countries. New York and London have a special relationship with 4 million people a year flying between the two cities. It's not just business people; the majority are leisure travellers and those visiting friends and relations. We estimate that the flight alone will mean $500,000 of extra expenditure in New York on accommodation, entertainment and shopping."

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said:

"The name 'Spirit of New York' encapsulates Londoner's support for our sister city. It sends the message that our thoughts are with everyone there, however they have been touched by the events of 11 September. New York's vibrancy and resilience is an inspiration to us all."

Captain Porter said:

"As an airline we owe an enormous debt to New York which has been the engine of our growth into a world-wide airline. Newark was our first destination and JFK remains the destination we serve most frequently. The people of New York have shown an unmatched spirit during this terrible time."