Exclusive interview with Sir Richard Branson
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Click here to listen to Simon Calder's interview with Richard Branson
Virgin Atlantic took off from Gatwick to Newark, New Jersey, on 22 June 1984. The music mogul Richard Branson leased a second-hand Boeing 747, started selling tickets through Virgin record stores, and began to transform travel as he had music retailing.
A quarter-century on, the (now-knighted) founder is still deeply involved in the airline business. He has high hopes for expanding around the world, but warns that if the British Airways-American Airlines tie-up is allowed to go ahead, his airline will be in jeopardy.
Sir Richard Branson was speaking at Heathrow airport exclusively to The Independent's senior travel editor, Simon Calder - who began by asking: What did Branson ever do for us?
Click here to listen to Simon Calder's interview with Richard Branson
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments