VIRGIN ATLANTIC (and Virgin Blue) chairman Sir Richard Branson has been in Australia, as ever causing media coverage. He said that he aimed to float the budget carrier during the first half of next year, once the domestic Australian airline had finalised a 30-40 aircraft re-equipment deal. By opening up Australian investment in the airline Virgin Blue can seek international route rights, including Hong Kong and Singapore, either of which could enable the carrier to link up with Virgin Atlantic”s ex-UK operations. Branson also used the opportunity to bury the hatchet with Sydney Airport. The end of a long running dispute over terminal access with Virgin Blue and Sydney Airport agreeing on terms for use of the former Ansett terminal facility. We had a choice of picures. Branson as an Injun chief, or the Australian squaws making peace with the native airport. Guess what we chose?
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