Branson hopeful for Virgin America launch in 2006

British billionaire and noted entrepreneur, Richard Branson, the founder of the U.K. based Virgin Group (which owns the popular Virgin Atlantic Airways) has submitted a safety application with the FAA for hopeful participation in the crowded domestic airline market this year with the newly formed Virgin America airline.

The sticking point is Mr. Branson’s ownership in the business–federal law limits foreign investors to 25%–which is exactly what he says he owns. But major carriers such as American and Continental Airlines are not so sure. They have requested more in depth investigation into Mr. Branson’s involvement, and have gone so far as to request employees write the FAA encouraging opposition to Virgin’s proposal.

If Virgin America gets its approval to launch out of San Francisco, it should give consumers another choice for domestic air travel–this time with help from an experienced leader who is not afraid to take risks and is well known for his unorthodox business methods. As a consumer, I think it will be a fun ride…….