Virgin Galactic Shares Rise on Narrower Loss, 2026 Flight Plans

Virgin Galactic reported a narrower first-quarter loss and better-than-expected revenue despite a pause in commercial flights to focus on its new Delta Class SpaceShips. The company plans to resume space tourism flights in the fall of 2026, following a research payload mission in the summer, and is considering a second spaceport in Italy. Virgin Galactic will increase ticket prices above the previous $600,000 per seat to improve future profitability, though the exact new price has not been disclosed. The Delta-class spacecraft will increase capacity from four to six passengers and aims to transport up to 750 customers annually, targeting about $450 million in revenue. Shares of Virgin Galactic surged between 13% and 35% following the earnings announcement and flight plans, despite an overall decline in stock value this year. CEO Michael Colglazier emphasized that new spacecraft assets are expected to open a profitable business model as the company advances toward commercial flights.