Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Sir Richard Branson made a surprise appearance in Las Vegas yesterday, officiating a vow renewal ceremony for two Virgin Atlantic crew members at the world-famous Little White Wedding Chapel. The couple, Malcolm and Jacqui King-McKinnon, first met 40 years ago during Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural year. In honor of their 40th anniversary and the airline’s milestone, Virgin Atlantic orchestrated Branson’s surprise participation.
Branson, donning a red bedazzled blazer and boutonniere, replaced an Elvis impersonator to officiate the ceremony. He then sent the couple off in a Virgin Hotels cab, waiting outside the iconic “Tunnel of Love.” Malcolm and Jacqui first crossed paths on one of Virgin Atlantic’s maiden flights from Manchester to North America in 1984.
Malcolm, captivated by Jacqui in her red uniform, offered to help with her luggage, and they’ve been together ever since. Now married with a family, the couple continues to fly together whenever possible. As Flight Service Managers, they operated the airline’s new route between Manchester and Las Vegas last Sunday.
Their celebration continues with a Ruby Spa Villa stay at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and a honeymoon cruise aboard a Virgin Voyages ship later this year. The event was attended by other Virgin Atlantic crew members and CEO Shai Weiss. The vow renewal was particularly special as it coincided with the launch of Virgin Atlantic’s newest route between Manchester and Las Vegas on Ju.
