Richard Branson Surprise Officiates Virgin Atlantic Crew Members' Vegas Wedding for Airline's 40th Anniversary (Exclusive)

Natalia Senanayake

11 June 2024 at 0:15 pm·3-min read

“It's lovely to be able to surprise them,” the Virgin Group founder tells PEOPLE of his crew members Malcolm and Jacqui

<p>Virgin Atlantic Airways</p> Richard Branson with Virgin Atlantic crew members Malcolm and Jacqui in Las Vegas — Virgin Atlantic Airways
Richard Branson with Virgin Atlantic crew members Malcolm and Jacqui in Las Vegas

Sir Richard Branson has another surprise gesture up his sleeve!

The billionaire entrepreneur, 73, marked Virgin Atlantic’s 40th anniversary by surprise officiating the wedding of two airline crew members, Malcolm and Jacqui, at Las Vegas’ famous Little White Chapel on Monday, June 10.

The couple — who met during the company’s first year nearly 40 years ago — were renewing their vows with an Elvis impersonator when the Virgin Group founder snuck in to surprise them.

Branson opened up to PEOPLE about why being part of such a special moment was important to him, in addition to marking the airline’s 40th with an all-new route.

<p>Virgin Atlantic Airways</p> Richard Branson snuck in while Malcolm and Jacqui were renewing their vows with an Elvis impersonator — Virgin Atlantic Airways
Richard Branson snuck in while Malcolm and Jacqui were renewing their vows with an Elvis impersonator

“It's great to be here in Vegas celebrating a new route between Manchester and Vegas on Virgin Atlantic, and also to be here to surprise two of our crew who are from Manchester who are getting married today. Well, they're getting married for the second time,” he tells PEOPLE.

<p>Virgin Atlantic Airways</p> Malcolm and Jacqui posing with the Elvis impersonator outside of the famous Little White Chapel — Virgin Atlantic Airways
Malcolm and Jacqui posing with the Elvis impersonator outside of the famous Little White Chapel

The businessman also revealed why he wanted to reunite with the couple and help them celebrate their big day.

“Malcolm and Jacqui have been working with us for 40 years,” he says. “I've been lucky enough to get to know them and meet them many times over the last 40 years. And it's just lovely that they wanted to renew their vows. It's lovely to be able to surprise them.”

<p>Virgin Atlantic Airways</p> Group shot of Richard Branson posing with Malcolm and Jacqui at the ceremony — Virgin Atlantic Airways
Group shot of Richard Branson posing with Malcolm and Jacqui at the ceremony

Branson adds, “40 years of Virgin Atlantic, it's so good to be here celebrating that.”

The company started flying out of the U.K. in 1984 and currently offers direct flights to destinations all over the world from Shanghai to San Francisco. The Virgin Group has since expanded its empire through the launch of its own cruise line, Virgin Voyages, with its newest ship Brilliant Lady set to embark on a North American tour in September 2025.

<p>Virgin Atlantic Airways</p> Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic crew members — Virgin Atlantic Airways
Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic crew members

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In the spirit of surprising people, Branson hopped on a flight operated by Delta (a Virgin Atlantic partner) heading directly from Atlanta to San Juan in February. Once on the plane, he announced that every single Delta SkyMiles member on the plane (over age 18) would receive a free cruise aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady.

“I love to surprise people,” Branson tells PEOPLE of his recent gesture. “I think one of my favorite mottos in life is, be the reason that someone smiles today and that's what I hope we'll make them do.”

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Read the original article on People.

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