1990-1995
Virgin Megastores arrives in Japan.
Virgin Atlantic flies to Los Angeles for the first time and opens the first Upper Class lounge at Gatwick.
Virgin Publishing (later to become a new incarnation of Virgin Books) is formed.
Richard Branson signs Janet Jackson to Virgin Records for $25 million for just one album (‘Janet’ - her fifth). This makes her the world's highest paid recording artist.
Virgin Atlantic makes its inaugural Gatwick to Boston flight as well as launching its Heathrow to LA, New York (JFK) and Tokyo routes.
Richard Branson buys The Roof Gardens. The glamorous club and restaurant in Kensington, London is now run by Virgin Limited Edition.
A difficult day as Virgin Records is sold to Thorn EMI – saving Virgin Atlantic from the brink of collapse.
Virgin Atlantic flies to Orlando for the first time.
The first Virgin Megastore opens in the United States. The Sunset Strip branch in LA stays open until 2008.
Richard and the Secretary of State for Transport, John MacGregor, open Virgin Atlantic's luxurious Clubhouse at Heathrow on 22 February.
Virgin Radio hits the airwaves on 30 April with Virgin 1215 AM – the UK’s first national, commercial rock music station. Broadcast from the Virgin Megastore in Manchester, Richard's is the first voice to be heard when the station goes live at 12.15pm. The first record played is 'Born To Be Wild' by INXS.
Virgin Retail becomes the UK’s largest music retailer with the acquisition of the Our Price chain.
Virgin Cola, Virgin Vodka (they go quite well together apparently) and a range of soft drinks are launched under the Virgin Drinks banner.
Virgin Radio FM launches in London.
Virgin Vacations is established in the US to provide Virgin Atlantic customers with inclusive vacation packages to London and beyond.
Virgin Games becomes Virgin Interactive.
On its tenth anniversary, Virgin Atlantic flies from Heathrow to Hong Kong and San Francisco for the first time.
Virgin Direct Personal Financial Service (later to become Virgin Money) opens for business. The first product sold is a pioneering ‘Index Tracking’ personal equity plan – the best value PEP in the market.
Virgin Cinemas open up their big screens for the first time in the UK.
Virgin Limobike’s personal taxi motorbike service takes to the London roads.
The Virgin Atalntic Clubhouse at JFK opens.
