Branson bets on Virgin Atlantic’s longevity

Richard Branson won’t sue British Airways chief Willie Walsh for defamatory comments; instead the multi-millionaire has suggested a ?1 million bet on the survival of his airline, Virgin Atlantic.

The prolific wager comes after Delta Airlines began discussions to purchase Singapore Airline’s 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic earlier this month, the Metro reported.

“I can’t see Delta wanting to operate the Virgin brand because if they do what does that say about the Delta brand?” Mr Walsh said.

Branson called out the British Airways boss and asked the airline to “put their money where their mouth is.”

“This is wishful thinking and totally misguided. Will BA never learn? Let’s see how much they believe this,” Branson said in his online blog.

“Rather than suing them on this occasion, I will pay ?1 million to their staff if Virgin Atlantic disappears within say five years.

“If not, BA pays our staff ?1million.”

Branson referred to Virgin Atlantic has “his baby” and was proud of the airline’s achievements thus far.

“It has grown into a wonderful airline which has punched above its weight for almost three decades, giving much larger airlines a real run for their money,” Branson said.

“We intend to carry on doing so for many years to come and, contrary to Mr Walsh’s hopes, we have no plans to disappear - but since they are so confident, will BA accept our challenge?”

Yesterday American carrier, Delta Air Lines purchased almost half of Virgin Atlantic after Singapore Airlines agreed to sell its stake in the UK airline.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasia