In a flurry of publicity gimmicks that have become his trademark, British entrepreneur Richard Branson launched the first Virgin Atlantic flights from London to Sydney today, vowing to break the hold British Airways and Qantas have on the long-distance route.

New California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants Richard Branson to base his planned new US cut-price domestic carrier in the state.

Branson plans no-frills US airline

Richard Branson is considering starting up a low-cost airline based in the United States, it was reported today.

Richard Branson is in line for a £100m (€145.33) personal windfall today when he issues the prospectus for the stock market flotation of his Australian airline, Virgin Blue.