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28/07/2009
Branson's Economic Forecast
Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson has said the 'jury is still out' on the possibility of notable global economic recovery in the near future.
However, the well-known entrepreneur said some positive sign had emerged over the last six weeks.
"There have been some hopeful signs in the last six weeks, but I think the jury is still out to see whether that's self-sustaining or not," Sir Richard told Reuters in an interview.
The Virgin Atlantic Airways president said he expects business travel to pick up again when financial recovery begins.
Corporate flights have suffered worst from the downturn in carrier demand, and Sir Richard predicted more inefficient American airlines could be set to fold.
"I don't think I'll get into naming names, but one in particular of the US carriers - I will be surprised if it is around in 18 months' time," he said.
Sir Richard blasted proposals for large mergers within the US industry, which he claims would be hugely anti-competitive.
"I'm not sure that carriers merging is actually a good idea. I think that, generally speaking, carriers should get on and compete with each other," he told Reuters.
The billionaire said the United State's Department of Transport should stop propping up ailing carriers.
Today Branson will fly for the first time aboard an aerospace vehicle designed to carry spacecrafts to the proper altitude to begin suborbital flight.
Only crew members have been aboard previous test flights.
(PR/JM)
However, the well-known entrepreneur said some positive sign had emerged over the last six weeks.
"There have been some hopeful signs in the last six weeks, but I think the jury is still out to see whether that's self-sustaining or not," Sir Richard told Reuters in an interview.
The Virgin Atlantic Airways president said he expects business travel to pick up again when financial recovery begins.
Corporate flights have suffered worst from the downturn in carrier demand, and Sir Richard predicted more inefficient American airlines could be set to fold.
"I don't think I'll get into naming names, but one in particular of the US carriers - I will be surprised if it is around in 18 months' time," he said.
Sir Richard blasted proposals for large mergers within the US industry, which he claims would be hugely anti-competitive.
"I'm not sure that carriers merging is actually a good idea. I think that, generally speaking, carriers should get on and compete with each other," he told Reuters.
The billionaire said the United State's Department of Transport should stop propping up ailing carriers.
Today Branson will fly for the first time aboard an aerospace vehicle designed to carry spacecrafts to the proper altitude to begin suborbital flight.
Only crew members have been aboard previous test flights.
(PR/JM)
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17 August 2009
Recovery Home For Injured Soldiers Opens
Britain's first Army recovery centre to treat injured soldiers is to be officially opened. The head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff, will join other servicemen to open the convalescing centre at Erskine, Edinburgh.
Recovery Home For Injured Soldiers Opens
Britain's first Army recovery centre to treat injured soldiers is to be officially opened. The head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff, will join other servicemen to open the convalescing centre at Erskine, Edinburgh.
03 October 2005
Boots announces £7 billion merger
Health and beauty retailer Boots has announced that it is to merge with rival company Alliance UniChem, in a deal worth £7 billion. The merger of the two companies, which will be called Alliance Boots, will create one of the largest healthcare retailers in Europe, with 2,600 stores in the UK and sales of £13 billion.
Boots announces £7 billion merger
Health and beauty retailer Boots has announced that it is to merge with rival company Alliance UniChem, in a deal worth £7 billion. The merger of the two companies, which will be called Alliance Boots, will create one of the largest healthcare retailers in Europe, with 2,600 stores in the UK and sales of £13 billion.
18 October 2011
Branson Opens World's First Space Port
Millionaire eccentric Sir Richard Branson has opened the world's first commercial space port in New Mexico. More than 800 guests watched Branson abseil from the roof of the 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space' port while his commercial space vehicles flew over the southern New Mexico skies during the dedication ceremony.
Branson Opens World's First Space Port
Millionaire eccentric Sir Richard Branson has opened the world's first commercial space port in New Mexico. More than 800 guests watched Branson abseil from the roof of the 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space' port while his commercial space vehicles flew over the southern New Mexico skies during the dedication ceremony.
06 December 2006
NTL Drops ITV Bid
NTL has dropped plans to bid for ITV after its £4.7bn proposal was rejected by the broadcaster. As expected by industry analysts rival BSkyB has swooped to take a blocking stake in ITV. According to news sources the decision has been welcomed by major shareholders in the cable group, who are keen for NTL to focus on its recent acquisitions.
NTL Drops ITV Bid
NTL has dropped plans to bid for ITV after its £4.7bn proposal was rejected by the broadcaster. As expected by industry analysts rival BSkyB has swooped to take a blocking stake in ITV. According to news sources the decision has been welcomed by major shareholders in the cable group, who are keen for NTL to focus on its recent acquisitions.
23 October 2003
Branson plans new aviation record attempt
Serial record breakers Steve Fossett and Sir Richard Branson have unveiled plans today to attempt one of the remaining great challenges of aviation - a solo, non-stop flight around the world without refuelling.
Branson plans new aviation record attempt
Serial record breakers Steve Fossett and Sir Richard Branson have unveiled plans today to attempt one of the remaining great challenges of aviation - a solo, non-stop flight around the world without refuelling.
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