Branson confirms partner search for Virgin Atlantic
Sir Richard Branson has confirmed that he intends to find an equity partner for Virgin Atlantic Airways and is likely to sell down his 51 percent stake in the airline.
Branson, 60, has hired Deutsche Bank AG to assess his options.
“I will certainly still be extremely involved in the airline, whatever we decide to do, and I will still be a major shareholder. We are in discussions with various people and will see what comes out of it,” he said.
Virgin has 288 takeoff and landing slots at Heathrow – three percent of the total – which would allow a buyer much sought-after extra slots to add flights to US and Asian business markets.
Star Alliance member Singapore Airlines, which owns 49 percent of Virgin Atlantic, said last month that it hadn’t made a decision about any “immediate divestment” of its stake.
Virgin Atlantic is also looking at joining an airline alliance and expects to announce details within a few months.
“It makes sense for Virgin Atlantic to have a partner,” Branson said in an interview in San Francisco, reported by Bloomberg.
Dinah
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026