Virgin Atlantic Names New Aircraft After Richard Branson

In the year that Virgin Atlantic turns 40, the airline will pay homage to its founder, Sir Richard Branson, by naming its latest state of the art aircraft in his honour.  Ruby Rebel, registration G-VSRB, will salute Sir Richard and mark 40 years of Virgin Atlantic shaking up the travel industry.

The airline’s fifth Airbus A330neo, which will enter service from May, will also feature a brand-new flying icon, inspired by Sir Richard and the rebellious spirit that’s always driven Virgin Atlantic to do things differently.

The icon, whose features are inspired by Holly Branson, include nods to Sir Richard’s career and famed business ventures throughout its design, such as Virgin Records pin badges, a Tubular Bells charm bracelet, a Virgin Galactic rocket on the belt’s buckle and a Virgin Voyages anchor on icons boot. 

Another bracelet featuring the letters J, S, and H have been designed as a sweet gesture to his wife Joan and children Holly and Sam. The icon’s punk styling reflects the airline’s iconic Vivienne Westwood uniform, which is still rocked by its cabin crew today. 

Ruby Rebel symbolises Virgin Atlantic’s desire to do things differently, beginning in June 1984, when its first aircraft, Maiden Voyager, departed London for New York, bringing a flash of red to the skies.  The airline’s focus has always been to deliver the best customer experience in a brilliantly different way.

From being the first airline to introduce seat back TVs, the Premium cabin and fleet wide Wi-Fi, to flying the first world’s first Pride flight and the first 100% SAF transatlantic flight, Virgin Atlantic and its people continue to challenge the status quo.