Virgin Atlantic is jointly owned by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, which holds 51%, and Delta Air Lines, which holds the remaining 49%. Delta bought its stake from Singapore Airlines back in 2013, and the partnership has anchored Virgin Atlantic’s transatlantic operations ever since.
Branson himself has been public about wanting to keep the airline in the family long-term, naming his children Holly and Sam as his intended successors for the Virgin Group’s stake.
Quick Facts
| Company | Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited |
|---|---|
| Majority Owner | Virgin Group (51%) |
| Minority Owner | Delta Air Lines (49%) |
| Founder | Richard Branson |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Crawley, England |
Ownership History
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Richard Branson founds Virgin Atlantic |
| 1999 | Singapore Airlines acquires a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic |
| December 2012 | Delta Air Lines agrees to buy Singapore Airlines’ 49% stake for £224 million |
| June 2013 | Regulatory approval clears in the US and EU, finalizing Delta’s stake |
| 2024 | Branson publicly outlines a succession plan to pass his Virgin Group stake to children Holly and Sam Branson |
| 2026 | Ownership structure remains stable, with Virgin Group and Delta continuing their joint-venture transatlantic partnership |
Key Ownership Highlights
- Delta’s 49% stake, held since 2013, underpins a broader transatlantic joint venture between the two airlines covering shared routes and codesharing.
- Richard Branson has been explicit about keeping Virgin Atlantic within the family, naming his children as intended successors for the Virgin Group side of the ownership.
- The airline has taken on significant investment in recent years, including a £400 million commitment toward fleet and service upgrades.
FAQ
Does Richard Branson still own Virgin Atlantic?
Yes, through the Virgin Group’s 51% majority stake, though he has outlined plans to pass control to his children Holly and Sam.
Does Delta Air Lines own Virgin Atlantic?
Delta owns 49%, a stake it purchased from Singapore Airlines in a deal that closed in 2013.
Related Reading
Virgin Group founder Richard Branson also previously owned Virgin Records, sold to EMI in 1992.