The BBC has reported that Sir Richard Branson wants his Virgin Atlantic airline (Virgin) to fly Concorde. He reportedly claimed Virgin would be able to operate them because Virgin is more efficient than British Airways.

He offered BA £1 for the aircraft last week, after the carrier said it would be retiring them from the end of October this year. He apparently received a negative response.

Sir Richard said he felt BA should not be retiring Concorde when the planes still had several years life left in them and indicated he might ask the government to intervene on his behalf.

He added: If there is a carrier such as Virgin with a lower cost base and willing to operate Concorde, we believe BA ought to hand the plans over. Details: www.britishairways.com / www.virgin.com