Virgin Galactic has postponed the return of its commercial spaceflights from late 2026 to February 2027, citing additional time needed to complete avionics and systems work on its new spacecraft. The setback matters because customers who bought the first batch of $750,000 tickets will wait longer, while the company remains dependent on successfully bringing its next-generation fleet into service.

The company reported a second-quarter net loss of $56 million and revenue of $0.1 million, compared with a $67 million loss and $0.4 million revenue a year earlier. It says demand exceeded the seats in the initial ticket release and intends to raise prices for a further batch; ground testing is due later in August and flight testing in October, with a second spacecraft expected in March 2027. Virgin Galactic last flew commercially in 2024 before pausing operations, while rival Blue Origin has also suspended New Shepard tourist flights for at least two years.