Virgin Group is one of the largest private companies in the UK. Its highest profile business is Virgin Atlantic Airways, founded in 1984 by Richard Branson. In 1984, British Airways was a strong competitor as it was already established with access to major routes and operating from Heathrow Airport, while Virgin Atlantic was new to the market, operating from Gatwick Airport with only one leased aircraft. Virgin Atlantic adopted a strategy of market penetration through offering lower prices and extensive advertising to increase its market share.