Virgin probes jet-safety postings

Virgin said the safety of passengers was its top priority

Airline Virgin Atlantic has begun an inquiry into claims some of its own staff criticised safety standards on the social networking website Facebook.

The airline is investigating allegations that "a small group" of its own staff posted "malicious" comments.

The entries related to planes flying out of London's Gatwick Airport and comments about passengers, which have been removed, a spokesman said.

The company has five Boeing 747s, which are based at Gatwick.

They were acquired from Boeing in 2001.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said: "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 airline's "stringent maintenance regime" included routinely changing engines to guarantee efficient and safe performance, he said.

He also reassured passengers that "very high standards of hygiene" were maintained on its aircraft.

He said: "Aircraft are cleaned following each flight, as well as deep-cleaned on a regular basis."