The Australian budget airline, Virgin Blue, could be listed on the stock market within two years, its founder and part owner, Sir Richard Branson, has revealed.

"Eighteen months ago, Virgin Blue didn't exist. Now we have 1,500 people working for us and we've 15% of the market and it is growing extremely rapidly," Sir Richard said.

Virgin Blue had high hopes of boosting its market share to 50% in the wake of the collapse of Ansett, the Air New Zealand subsidiary.

Ansett's bankruptcy made Virgin Blue the second biggest airline after international carrier Qantas.

Sir Richard, who recently sold half the airline to one of Australia's biggest cargo operators, suggested the cash from the sale would help fund a float on the Australian Stock Exchange.

The cargo operator, Patrick Corporation, paid 260m Australian dollars (�96m; $139) for the 50% stake.