The billionaire made the comment whilst onboard the inaugural Virgin flight from London to Ghana in West Africa.
He said that the airline might not be able to remain independent due to the speed of consolidation within the industry.
Virgin's bitter rival British Airways is merging with Iberia, and is expected to ink a transatlantic tie-up with American Airlines within days. Meanwhile Continental and United are negotiating a merger that will create the world's largest airline.
Sir Richard told The Times: "If it becomes impossible for us to remain an independent airline and survive, we may come to a situation where we have to consolidate."
http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/branson-hints-at-virgin-atlantic-merger/
