Millions of EE, Vodafone and Virgin Media customers2 will be able to enjoy full WiFi access across London Underground following the deal, keeping the majority of Tube passengers connected for no extra cost3 in 2013 and beyond.

ENGADGET: PSA: Virgin Media extends London Underground WiFi again, aims for 120 stations by early 2013

"Virgin Atlantic will offer millions of passengers in Scotland and Manchester connections around the world through our and our partners' long-haul network, with the additional benefit of providing direct services to and from London Heathrow, " he said.

BBC: A Virgin Atlantic plane landing at Heathrow

In a joint statement the bosses of Easyjet, British Airways owner IAG, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic said the increase would "hit millions of hard-working families and damage the wider economy".

BBC: Airlines urge review as air passenger duty rises by 8%