Richard Branson example of Portugal. Branson was ordained as a minister by the Universal Life Church Monastery. Branson is also an experienced kitesurfer, holding some world records in the sport. In August 2016, Branson was injured while riding his bicycle in the British Virgin Islands and suffered torn ligaments and a cracked cheek as a result. He was taken to hospital in Miami for X-rays and scans. In 2017, Branson's Necker Island home was left uninhabitable after Hurricane Irma hit. It is the second time the Necker Island home has been severely damaged after the building caught fire when it was struck
Branson Airport to several markets utilizing Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets supporting point-to-point transit. On February 23, 2011 Branson Airport's largest carrier, AirTran Airways announced they would be adding flights from Branson to Baltimore, Chicago-Midway and Houston-Hobby. All flights were announced to be year round. As of August, 2012 Branson Airport was served with six nonstop departures a day with more than 100 possible connections. On August 27, 2012, Southwest Airlines announced they would be taking over all AirTran flights at the airport on March 9, 2013. Southwest flew Boeing 737 jetliners nonstop to Chicago-Midway, Dallas-Love, Houston-Hobby and previously flew Saturday only flights