Virgin Atlantic To relaunch in-flight mag

Virgin Atlantic is launching a consumer in-flight magazine, to be called Carlos. It has not had an in-flight magazine since axing its Hot Air title in 2001.

However, the A5 quarterly is for Upper Class passengers only. Carlos has been developed by John Brown Citrus Publishing’s special project team, in partnership with the airline, and will also be sold in international distribution outlets such as art galleries, bookshops and fashion boutiques.

A spokeswoman for the airline says that research carried out for Virgin Atlantic shows that economy class passengers are more interested in entertainment, such as films, than in magazines.

The magazine will be launched next month. Editorial includes new short stories and reprinted material from authors, together with media, art, business and fashion coverage.

Michael Jacovides is editor-in-chief of Carlos, and contributors include Johnny Davis, former editor of The Face.

Hot Air, which was produced by John Brown Publishing, was cancelled as a result of poor advertising revenue (MW September 27, 2001). Rival carrier British Airways has maintained its monthly in-flight magazine, High Life.