On June 22nd, 1984, Virgin Atlantic Airways took off from London’s Gatwick Airport, bound for Newark, New Jersey in the United States. It was the airline’s first flight, and founder Richard Branson was on board. Over 35 years later, Branson still vividly remembers that day, and the challenges they faced in launching a brand-new airline.

At the time, Branson was already an established entrepreneur, having founded Virgin Group in 1970 and grown it into a diverse network of businesses. But the airline industry was a whole new world, and Virgin Atlantic faced stiff competition from established carriers like British Airways and Pan Am.

In an interview with CNBC, Branson recalled the nervous excitement he felt on the day of the inaugural flight. “We were all nervous about whether we would fill the plane,” he said. “We were all waiting at the airport, and we had no idea whether we’d be able to make a go of it.”

To make matters worse, the flight was delayed by several hours due to technical issues. Passengers were understandably frustrated, and some even demanded refunds. But Branson and his team remained committed to delivering a high-quality customer experience, and they worked tirelessly to get the flight back on track.

“We had a huge amount of anxiety,” Branson said. “We knew that if we failed, it would be a humiliating experience. But we were determined to make it work.”

Eventually, the plane took off, and Branson and his team breathed a sigh of relief. The flight was a success, and Virgin Atlantic began to gain a reputation for high-quality service, innovative amenities, and a fun, youthful brand.

In the years since that first flight, Branson has remained deeply committed to the airline industry, and to challenging the status quo of traditional carriers. Virgin Atlantic has become known for its luxurious Upper Class service, comfortable Economy options, and cutting-edge technology, including the brand-new Airbus A350.

But despite the many changes and innovations over the years, Branson still looks back on that first flight with a sense of pride and excitement. “To this day, I get goosebumps thinking about it,” he said. “It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”

Looking ahead, Branson is optimistic about the future of Virgin Atlantic and the airline industry as a whole. He believes that there is still a lot of room for innovation and disruption, particularly in the areas of sustainability and technology.

“We want to keep pushing the boundaries and keep challenging ourselves,” he said. “We believe that we can create a truly sustainable, low-carbon airline, and we’re going to keep working towards that goal.”

As for that first flight, it will always hold a special place in Branson’s heart. “It was the start of an amazing journey,” he said. “And I’m grateful to all the people who have helped us get where we are today.”

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