By Scott Rochfort

Sir Richard Branson flew into Sydney yesterday not only to pledge his allegiance to his 25.6 per cent stake in Virgin Blue but to talk up his plans of launching his second Australian carrier this year.

Depending on aircraft availability, the Virgin founder said he hoped to get the international airline off the ground within the next nine months.

Sir Richard said the cost of setting up the airline, which will focus on the US, China and Japan, would be "considerable".

Branson eyes new airline, continued