McKinney will handle strategy and creative, partnering with MEC Interaction, part of Mediaedge:cia, who will handle communications planning and buying.

Virgin Atlantic Airways believes in the power of ideas to change the trajectory of their business and, most importantly, they value a marketing partner that creates bold ideas that make customers eager to engage

The new relationship will officially begin on August 15, with planning and development to begin immediately.

“From the start, McKinney showed their collaborative nature and proved they have both the strategic and creative teams that will help move forward the Virgin Atlantic brand in the US,” said Chris Rossi, Senior Vice President, Virgin Atlantic North America. “Since our first flight, the airline has stood for service, innovation and value, characteristics that were displayed by the entire McKinney and MEC Interaction team, making this the clear choice.”

"Virgin Atlantic Airways believes in the power of ideas to change the trajectory of their business and, most importantly, they value a marketing partner that creates bold ideas that make customers eager to engage," said McKinney President Jeff Jones. "They are one of the top brands our employees most desired to work with over the past five years, so this is an extra proud day for McKinney."

Virgin Atlantic Airways began an advertising agency review for its US business on May 16. The review was conducted from the airline's US head office in Norwalk, CT by Elizabeth Zea of Gilbert & Company.