Branson Flies into US Market Storm

VIRGIN America launched into a storm of union protest yesterday, as US cabin crew workers filed court papers challenging the government’s approval of the airline.

Sir Richard Branson has battled for two years over whether the carrier fulfils American ownership rules, forcing him to accept only a backseat role. Virgin is allowed a 25pc stake in the firm, which also has a separate US management team.

The US-only airline will initially link its San Francisco hub with New York’s JFK airport and Los Angeles. It will add more routes later this year to Washington Dulles and Las Vegas..

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