News: British Airways has a Newcastle lounge, Branson raises more money for Virgin Group

News in brief:

British Airways flyers now have a lounge at Newcastle

The British Airways lounge at Newcastle Airport was a casualty of coronavirus. The lounge was closed permanently and has already been ripped out.

The good news is that the Aspire Lounge at Newcastle reopens today. It will open at 4am, seven days per week, with closing times varying depending on the flight schedule.

The even better news is that, according to the ‘Lounge Finder’ tool on the oneworld alliance website, eligible British Airways customers will have access.

Here is our last review, from 2017, of the Aspire and Aspire Plus lounges at Newcastle Airport. The premium Aspire Plus lounge will not be reopening at this time.

Sir Richard Branson raises another $300 million

Sir Richard Branson sold another slug of shares in Virgin Galactic last week, raising $300 million. Bloomberg has the story here.

The reason given for the sale was to “support its portfolio of global leisure, holiday and travel businesses that continue to be affected by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic”.

Part of the money may end up with Virgin Atlantic – although Virgin Atlantic is reportedly planning an IPO – but there are also likely to be funding issues at the nascent Virgin Voyages cruise business. Virgin Active is also reportedly in difficulties.

Virgin Group remains the biggest shareholder in Virgin Galactic with 18%. Branson went into space on the last Virgin Galactic test flight, and it is reported to be ready to reopen bookings for paying customers. Whilst down over 50% from its peak in February, Virgin Galactic is still valued at over $6.5 billion which puts the remaining Virgin Group stake at $1.1 billion.

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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 2025)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):

Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard

18,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review

Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard

3,000 bonus points, no fee and 1 point for every £1 you spend Read our full review

You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.

American Express Business Platinum

50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review

American Express Business Gold

20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points.