Virgin Atlantic honours Joan Branson with portrait on Viva Forever aircraft
Richard Branson has unveiled a Virgin Atlantic aircraft bearing a portrait of his late wife, Joan, as a tribute to her role in the airline’s history and their 50-year partnership. The plane is named Viva Forever after her favourite Spice Girls song.
The design includes the Branson family tartan, Joan’s heart-shaped necklace and the rings she wore every day. Branson said she joined Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural flight in 1984 and suggested collecting passengers’ loose change for charity, a practice later adopted by airlines worldwide. Joan died aged 80 in November 2025 after complications from a back injury.
- Virgin Atlantic has painted Joan Branson’s portrait on a new aircraft.
- The plane is named after her favourite Spice Girls song.
- Its design includes several personal details.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Richard Branson’s touching tribute to late wife Joan as she’s painted on side of new Virgin Atlantic plane named after her favourite Spice Girls song”.