Jam Session: Branson Talks Airlines, Environment and Kite Surfing in the BVI
10-12-2009
It's hard to imagine the airline industry before Sir Richard Branson. From his flagship Virgin Atlantic Airlines and the US-based Virgin America, to the latest VAustralia and upcoming Virgin Galactic "space flights," it seems Branson is always on the cutting edge of new initiatives. So it's no wonder he's got something to say about the business in which he invests the majority of his time. Whether he uses his power for good, or for a good debate, there's always something brewing in the Virgin Ltd. world.
But there's more to Branson than airplanes and aviation. As a host and sponsor of the first annual British Virgin Islands Kite Jam Competition, Branson is opening up a piece of his private life to one of his favorite pastimes - kite surfing.
All eyes will be on the British Virgin Islands in March 2010 when members of the extreme sports world converge for the inaugural BVI Kite Jam competition. The jam sessions - conceived by Charlie Smith, Head of Watersports at Necker Island since 2005 and Scotty Wilson, Head of Logistics and Watersports for Necker Island - takes place March 1-5, 2010. With Branson sponsoring the event, the British Virgin Islands aims to be the kiteboarding Mecca for riders from around the globe.
I had the unique opportunity to join other reporters, along with the BVI Tourist Board and Branson for the official launch of the event on Nov. 23 on Necker Island. I boarded a flight to San Juan from Boston, hopped on a Cape Air flight (the official airline sponsor for Kite Jam) to Tortola, and sailed from Virgin Gorda to Necker Island to sit down with Branson and the Kite Jam team. We learned the details of Kite Jam and what travelers and sports enthusiasts can expect on the British Virgin Islands this spring, and also got to the bottom of a few controversial topics with Branson.
Why did you choose the British Virgin Islands for Kite Jam? What can travelers expect?
Branson: I learned to surf in Byron Bay, but when you live on Necker Island you learn to surf on Necker Island and surfing on the BVIs is brilliant. There's lots of space in the ocean! It's beautiful here, it's a safe sport and well, why not?
Smith: I've seen a lot of locations - and surfed a lot of locations - but the BVIs are the best by far. They are relatively remote, which is a good thing for surfers, and for travelers it's a nice spot because there's plenty of people around.
(The event takes place throughout the BVIs including Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Mosquito Island and Necker Island).
What can spectators expect to experience during the event, if they're not kite surfing?
Smith: Sailing everyday, some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, and if you want, you can try to kite surf.
(I took Charlie up on his offer and attempted kite surfing - happy to provide pointers to any beginners. First thing to know: it's not as easy as you think (and don't try to 'fly' - it doesn't work unless you know how to steer the kite). I can safely say that watching the professionals kite surf is just as enjoyable.)
Do women usually have a harder time than men learning to kite surf?
Smith: Actually, no. Guys are more competitive, women are generally lighter and flow easier with the waves, and will take the time to learn.
(Read: I should really learn how to just go with the flow)
One of the nice things about the BVIs is its eco-friendly attitude. You've [Branson] devoted a lot of time to environmental issues - what type of improvements are you working on for the islands?
Branson: We're working on creating carbon-neutral islands, with solar power backup, especially on Necker and Mosquito islands. If it can be done on these two islands, it can be done anywhere in the world.
Branson has spoken out on his opposition to the British Airways- American Airlines codeshare partnership program, which would align the two carriers and create the largest international air travel partnership program in the world. In Branson's opinion, however, this partnership would destroy the competitive environment of the airline industry and cause more harm than good to the consumer. While Branson continues to petition the U.S. government to rethink this global partnership, the government has made steps toward approving this alliance.
Do you have any comment on the British Airways-American Airlines partnership?
Branson: The government should not try to interfere to save big legacy carriers. Instead, they bring freshness to the airline industry by allowing inefficient carriers to go bust. The [airline] industry needs to stop helping inefficient airlines - let market forces take their place.
As the airline industry continues to weather the economic storm it's braved over the past year, Branson gets ready for his next adventure, Virgin Galactic. Starting prices for flights is $200,000, with refundable deposits starting from $20,000.
In Richard Branson's world, the sky really is the limit.
© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer
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