Start-up airline Virgin America expects to begin flying next month after US regulators gave the final approvals needed for take-off.

Richard Branson said he wants to float 30% of his Australian budget airline Virgin Blue on the Australian stock exchange after the carrier said it had tripled its annual pre-tax profit today.

Richard Branson said he wants to float 30% of his Australian budget airline Virgin Blue on the Australian stock exchange after the carrier said it had tripled its annual pre-tax profit today.