Article written by Ejaaz Cadinouche for Jetstream Magazine.

Just as one would name their car or boat, airlines sometimes give names to their aircraft. While many carriers choose names inspired by well-known cities, landmarks, or historical figures, one airline stands out by adding a unique twist, infused with a touch of classic British flair.

British airline Virgin Atlantic's tradition of naming aircraft traces back to its founder, Richard Branson. In the aviation world, aircraft are typically identified by the final two letters or final three numbers of their registration — a unique code that acts as a flying license plate. Branson noticed that crew members often referred to planes using the phonetic alphabet, such as calling an aircraft with the registration G-VIRG "Romeo-Golf," with the "R" and "G" corresponding to "Romeo" and "Golf."

At the time, Branson was an avid sailor, and it was common practice to give boats and ships female names. Finding the standard method of referring to aircraft by registration codes dull and impersonal, he decided to carry over the maritime tradition to the skies. Just as ships had names with character and charm, he believed his aircraft should too. This resulted in the very first Virgin Atlantic aircraft, G-VIRG, being named, rather fittingly, “Maiden Voyager.”

The airline's names take inspiration from various avenues — particularly if there is a British link involved — often drawing from music, film, literature, food, and Cockney rhyming slang. Most importantly, they are all named after some of the most iconic women in British culture.

Cockney rhyming slang is a form of English slang that originated among the Cockneys in England, who lived in East London. It involves replacing a word with a phrase that rhymes, then omitting the original word to obscure the connection. For example, "Rosie Lee" is Cockney rhyming slang for "tea." Therefore, the airline gave the name "Rosie Lee" to its aircraft registered G-VTEA.

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