Travel chaos hit London’s Heathrow Airport between Christmas and New Year after heavy fog caused flight delays and cancellations.
Approximately 20,000 passengers experienced disruption during the hectic travel period as operations were halted.
Aircraft engineers worked round the clock to ensure passengers travel plans took off as smoothly as possible.
It was estimated nearly 40,000 flights operated to and from London Heathrow Airport in December, according to aviation analytics company, Cirium.
Across these flights, there were an estimated 8,673,847 passenger seats, with Heathrow known as one of busiest global airport hubs, operating at nearly full plane capacity.
The maintenance taking place behind the scenes ensured flights operated as usual and took place in the airline’s engineering hangers.
The Virgin Atlantic Hanger carries out aviation work 24 hours a day and can facilitate large aircrafts such as A350 and A330 planes.
Over the festive period engineers were especially busy with increased travel demand, tighter deadlines and unpredictable weather.
Aircraft maintenance staff inspect plane parts, carry out repairs and track the performance of the plane’s engines.
Martyn Bryant, Virgin cabin maintenance supervisor, explained the importance behind cabin maintenance and how engineers prepare the plane to ensure passengers have the best experience.
He said: “The aircraft is flying full so we have to really make sure we do our best to check everything and have everything prepared for all those additional passengers.
“Everybody wants to be on holiday, including the people here working for us.”
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