– Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve RidgwayWe have fought hard for the right to fly short haul and take a strong challenge to BA within these shores.
For 28 years both airlines have battled for customers all over the world and it has meant that British consumers have ultimately had some of the world's best flying and lowest fares.
Sir Richard Branson's airline Virgin Atlantic is poised to begin new domestic services from Heathrow Airport starting from March 2013.
Virgin said today it had been offered short-haul take-off and landing slots available following the takeover of bmi by British Airways's parent company IAG.
I hear that the announcement on what happens next for West Coast Mainline will be next Monday, but will Virgin keep running it while the mess is cleared up?
Sir Richard Branson is determined to enjoy his favourite sports into his eighties and says his philosophy in life is to "dream big".
The 62-year-old Virgin tycoon was speaking before the start this morning of the Virgin Active triathlon in London, in which more than 14,000 people will swim, cycle and run around the capital over the course of the weekend.
As he prepared for what is described as the largest event of its kind in the world, the billionaire said that despite what people may think about his wealth and exciting life, his health and fitness meant everything to him.
"You can have everything you possibly want but if you don't have health and fitness you don't have anything," he said.
"I'm an enormous believer in setting yourself a challenge every year and trying to accomplish that challenge.
"I'm lucky my kids are of an age when we can do wonderful challenges together."
Sir Richard Branson's train company is set to lose its West Coast main line rail franchise in a Government decision which will spark a storm of protest.
In an imminent announcement, the Government is expected to say that transport giant FirstGroup has beaten Virgin Rail in the new-franchise battle to run the London to Scotland line.
It will mean an end to Virgin's 15 years of operating the line which has seen tilting, high-speed Pendolino trains serve such cities as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.
The West Coast carried around 13 million passengers a year in 1997. The annual total is now around 31 million.
'Allo 'Allo! French police turned up to arrest us after we completed the Channel kitesurf crossing http://t.co/83b9Nrst
From @richardbranson on Twitter:Told police I thought anybody could swim in the sea! Luckily they had a sense of humour, let us off with a warning http://t.co/83b9Nrst
From @richardbranson on Twitter:
Sir Richard Branson sets off on bid to kitesurf across the English Channel.
ITV Meridian reporter John Ryall filmed Sir Richard as he set off from Hythe at lunchtime.
You can watch this video here.
Sir Richard Branson is embarking on a fresh bid to set two world records by kite-surfing across the English Channel - 24 hours after being forced to abort his initial bid.
Ready for today's kitesurf. Strong winds, up to 35-40 mph. Giving it a good shot at @bransonsam's world record! http://t.co/0w2bm3wb
From @richardbranson on Twitter:
Sir Richard Brnason will today re-attempt to set two world records by kite-surfing across the English Channel, 24 hours after being forced to abort his initial bid.
The 61-year-old Virgin tycoon hopes to become the oldest person to cross the Channel and also break the record set by his son Sam for the fastest kite-surf crossing.
He is due to set off on his renewed cross-Channel challenge from Hythe in Kent at midday and cross over to France, weather permitting.
