Virgin drops Gatwick and Australia waits

Gatwick Airport has lost Virgin Atlantic whilst Virgin Australia waits on its future.

After 36 years Virgin Atlantic will not be returning to Gatwick once the Covid-19 crisis is over.  Not surprisingly the airline is to dispose of its remaining Boeing 747s.  The Manchester operation is to be retained but 3,150 jobs across all functions will go.

The airline is 51% owned by Virgin Group and 49% with Delta Airlines of the United States.

In a statement chief executive Shai Weis reflected on the situation: “After 9/11 and the Global Financial Crisis, we took similar painful measures but fortunately many members of our team were back flying with us within a couple of years. Depending on how long the pandemic lasts and the period of time our planes are grounded for, hopefully the same will happen this time.

“Our vision for Virgin Atlantic remains the same – to become the most loved travel company, for our people and our customers. Once the crisis stabilises, Virgin Atlantic has an important role to play in contributing to the UK’s economic recovery, providing essential connectivity and competition.”

Twenty parties are interested in recapitalising Virgin Australia, administrator Deloitte said after the first creditors meeting held virtually on 30 April, and the airline aims to receive binding offers in June.

In its statement, Virgin Australia says it remains in operation while in voluntary administration, with 64 return domestic services each week, contracted domestic charter flights and federal government-supported international flights to Hong Kong and Los Angeles.

Also see BTN 27 April  Virgin Australia seeks protection

www.virginatlantic.com

www.virginaustralia.com

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