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Virgin Atlantic Only Comfortable with Certain Online Hatchet Jobs

Big bossman Richard Branson can snipe British Airways and even set up a special website protesting his rival's proposed tie-up with American Airlines. But his employees, apparently, don't enjoy the same freedom to criticize people online: After setting up a group on Facebook to "bitch about the aircraft" they fly, Virgin Atlantic employees are under investigation for calling passengers "chavs" and complaining that VA's 747s were infested with cockroaches.

Says the carrier:

The airline has started an immediate disciplinary investigation. Virgin Atlantic does not tolerate any criticism of its passengers or industry-leading safety standards and is taking this matter very seriously.

Safety is the airline's top priority and we operate our fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers' and safety authorities' recommendations and regulations.

The posts have apparently been taken down, but we're trying to find some screen shots of them somewhere online. Tip us off if you know more; anonymity guaranteed.

Related Stories:
· VA Investigates Facebook Claims [Telegraph]
· VA Probes "Malicious" Staff Comments [Brand Republic]
· Virgin Atlantic coverage [Jaunted]