Richard Branson Is Designing The Future Of Travel | Condé Nast Traveler

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Sir Richard Branson reflects on the origins and innovations of his travel ventures, including Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Voyages, and Virgin Galactic. He discusses his frustration with air travel that led to the creation of Virgin Airlines, the importance of making travel more eco-friendly, and his vision for the future of transportation, including space travel. Branson also highlights Virgin's efforts to improve communities, reduce environmental impact, and push for progressive social changes. He emphasizes the value of human connection and sustainable innovation in shaping a better world for future generations.

Takeaways

• ✈️ Richard Branson entered the travel business due to frustration when American Airlines bumped him off a flight.
• 💡 He started Virgin Airlines by hiring a plane and selling $39 tickets as a joke, which quickly sold out.
• 🌍 Virgin Atlantic changed the airline industry by focusing on passenger experience, influencing other airlines.
• ♻️ Branson is focused on making air travel environmentally friendly by exploring alternative fuels and carbon fiber planes.
• 🛳️ Virgin Voyages was designed as a cruise line for adults, offering a luxury experience without children.
• 🏝️ Branson's vision includes sustainable energy islands to fuel cruise ships with hydrogen and reduce plastic waste.
• 🌱 Virgin focuses on supporting communities around its properties, like building schools and clinics in South Africa.
• 🚀 Virgin Galactic aims to offer extraordinary space travel experiences, with long-term visions of space hotels and trips to Mars.
• 🌐 Branson advocates for a world without borders, where people can live, work, and travel freely.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Branson hopes his grandchildren will grow up in a world where Virgin helps make positive environmental and social changes.

Q & A

What inspired Richard Branson to start his travel business?

Richard Branson was inspired to start his travel business out of frustration when he was bumped from a flight in the Caribbean. He chartered a plane, offered $39 one-way tickets, and jokingly called it 'Virgin Airlines.' This experience led him to start Virgin Atlantic.

What was Boeing’s reaction when Branson inquired about purchasing a 747?

When Branson called Boeing to ask if they had any second-hand 747s for sale, they agreed to send a salesman as long as he promised not to call the airline 'Virgin,' assuming the business wouldn’t succeed. Despite this, Branson purchased the plane and successfully launched Virgin Atlantic.

How did Virgin Atlantic contribute to changes in the airline industry?

Virgin Atlantic offered an improved flying experience that people loved, which pushed other airlines to emulate their customer service and innovation, thereby improving the overall industry.

What steps is Virgin taking to make air travel more environmentally friendly?

Virgin is focusing on making air travel more sustainable by exploring alternative fuels, using carbon fiber in airplane construction, and working with companies like Boeing to reduce carbon emissions. Planes like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 are now at least 50% carbon fiber, reducing their environmental impact.

What are Branson's views on hydrogen as a fuel for long-haul flights?

Branson believes hydrogen is too heavy for long-haul flights and sees alternative fuels as a better solution. However, hydrogen may work for smaller, short-haul planes.

How did Branson's personal view of cruises lead to the creation of Virgin Voyages?

Branson initially had a negative view of cruises, imagining long lines for buffets. However, after brainstorming with friends, he envisioned a more luxurious, adult-only cruise experience, akin to Abramovich's yacht but for more people. This concept led to the creation of Virgin Voyages.

What makes Virgin Voyages different from other cruise lines?

Virgin Voyages differentiates itself by offering an adult-only experience, focusing on fitness, wellness, and luxury. The ships feature amenities like running tracks, basketball courts, and high-end workout and massage rooms, catering specifically to adults.

What is Branson's vision for the future of space travel and hotels in space?

Branson fantasizes about building a hotel off the moon with small spaceships for travel around the moon. He envisions space tourism growing significantly, and he hopes to see this happen within his lifetime if environmental costs can be reduced and prices become more affordable.

How is Virgin Orbit contributing to environmental monitoring?

Virgin Orbit has launched satellites that monitor rainforests, illegal fishing, and other environmental activities. These satellites travel at 17,500 miles per hour around Earth, providing valuable data for environmental protection efforts.

What is Branson's utopian vision for the future of global travel and borders?

Branson imagines a world where borders are less significant, and people can freely travel, live, work, and marry in any country. He hopes for a more united world where these freedoms are possible within the next 50 years.