Billionaire Brit Richard Branson IS “Virgin,” one of the most recognized brands in the world. Today, Virgin is an empire, with over 200-businesses ranging from airlines to music, from credit cards to soda, from cell phones to space travel, and so much more. And Branson’s put his own unconventional and stylish stamp on each and every company, whether it’s the sexy advertising (go to the Virgin Atlantic website, and get a “Hello Gorgeous!” greeting) or the “mood lighting” in the cabins of his Virgin America jets.

The Empire Invades America

San Francisco-based Virgin America is his latest project, and it just might be exactly what U.S. airlines need to shake them up a bit. Consider the amenities offered:

• 110V power plugs at every seat (no more dead laptop batteries!)
• On-screen menus, so you can order “freshly prepared food” whenever you want it
• An entertainment system called “Red” that offers more than 25-”pay per view” feature films on demand
• The aforementioned “mood lighting” (now THIS has Richard Branson written all over it…)

The airline is a “hybrid carrier” according to Virgin America’s Brian Clark, Vice President of Planning and Sales. By that he means that the airline falls somewhere between a low-cost airline and a legacy carrier, with fares starting at $44 each way for coach, and $149 each way in first class.

From Balloons to Space Rockets

What else does Virgin offer in the way of travel? Just about everything: transportation choices include Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Nigeria, Virgin Limos, Virgin Trains and even Virgin Balloons.

And if that’s not enough, Virgin is also set to expand their travel business into some very THIN air. We’re talking final frontier here…space! In 2009, Virgin Galactic is set to become the first commercial space carrier, and reservations are already being accepted on their website. A $20,000 deposit is required for the $200,000 trip, but hey, this IS sub-orbital space. And as always, check with FareCompare.com, in case there’s a sale (hah!).

Sir Richard stays busy (he was knighted in 1999) with his seemingly ever expanding Virgin Group Ltd., the huge collection of separately run companies all under the Virgin name, with primary areas of operation in travel, entertainment and lifestyle. Branson originated the Virgin brand in the 1970’s when he opened a small music store in London, a store that has since expanded into the worldwide chain known as Virgin Megastores.

Why Does He Call It, “Virgin”???

So, where did that name come from, anyhow? According to Branson, back in the days when no one had ever heard of him, he and a colleague were having a brain-storming session and the colleague suggested that, since they were new to business, they were, in effect, “virgins.”

My, how times have changed.