Virgin Atlantic to name A330-900 in memory of Joan Branson
Virgin Atlantic is preparing an Airbus A330-900 whose registration and nose art honour Joan Branson, the wife of founder Richard Branson, who died in November 2025.
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Virgin Atlantic will take delivery of an Airbus A330-900 honouring Joan Branson, wife of the airline's founder Richard Branson, who died in November 2025.
The aircraft, registered G-VLJB, takes its letters LJ from Lady Joan. It will be named Viva Forever, and delivery is expected in October.
Its nose will carry a design created for Joan Branson, who was Scottish, featuring the family tartan, a heart-shaped necklace and the rings she wore daily.
Richard Branson announced her death on Instagram, writing that she had been his wife and partner for 50 years. On LinkedIn he said Joan had been part of Virgin Atlantic's story from the beginning, and that she was on board for the airline's first flight in 1984.
Naming aircraft this way continues a practice at the carrier. In 2021 it named an Airbus A350 Fearless Lady in honour of Branson's mother, Eve.
Sources
- aerotelegraph.comWie Virgin Atlantic an die Frau von Gründer Richard Branson erinnert