Remarks by Sir Richard Branson that Virgin Galactic was only weeks away from entering space flights reignited excitement around the world recently that space tourism was finally on the cusp of fruition.

Virgin Group and Virgin Atlantic are set to launch a new Virgin-wide loyalty program, with “unique and differentiated reward opportunities, to reward customer loyalty across Virgin branded companies”.

Virgin Voyages has announced the name of its first oceangoing vessel as Scarlet Lady in a throwback to one of the first planes from Virgin Group’s Virgin Atlantic fleet.

“This ship should let you live the lifestyle that you want while you’re on it, not one which has been dictated to you by a brand.”