British Airways and Virgin Atlantic A350s in historic dual takeoff to celebrate US border reopening

Two bitter rivals are celebrating the easing of travel restrictions to the US with the first ever dual takeoff from the UK's London Heathrow.

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have fought fierce battles over the transatlantic route over the years, but have come together as the US opens its borders to most European countries for the first time in more than 600 days.

Two A350s synchronised their takeoffs from Heathrow to New York JFK to leave at 8.30am on Monday morning (local time). British Airways gave its flight the historic BA001 number, which was reserved for Concorde. The Virgin Atlantic flight (VS3) took off from runway 27L, while the British Airways jet used runway 27R.

The US is now allowing air travel from a series of countries which were previously restricted, as long as the travellers can prove vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test. It has also opened land borders to Mexico and Canada.

British Airways Chairman and CEO, Sean Doyle, said the airlines were setting aside their rivalry.

"Transatlantic connectivity is vital for the UK's economic recovery, which is why we've been calling for the safe reopening of the UK-US travel corridor for such a long time," said Doyle.

"We must now look forward with optimism, get trade and tourism back on track and allow friends and families to connect once again."

Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive Shai Weiss agreed.

"Today is a time for celebration, not rivalry. Together with British Airways we are delighted to mark today's important milestone, which finally allows consumers and businesses to book travel with confidence."