Virgin Atlantic launches two ‘vaccine passport’ trials March 26, 2021 Virgin Atlantic today said that it would launch two parallel digital health certificate – or “vaccine passport” – trials as more carriers turn their attention to restarting international travel. The Sir Richard Branson-founded airline said it would trial global aviation body IATA’s smartphone app on trips from the UK to Barbados from 16 April. It [...]
After year of pain, Virgin Atlantic exec looking forward to clearer skies March 15, 2021 It was the moment it felt like everyone had been waiting for. On 22 February, Boris Johnson told a cold and tired nation that international travel could be back on the cards from 17 May, prompting a mad rush of pale Brits booking their summer getaways despite pleas that it was too early to do [...]
Virgin Atlantic set to raise £160m amid ongoing travel restrictions March 13, 2021 Virgin Atlantic is in discussions to raise £160m from shareholders and creditors as the airline seeks to shore up its finances ahead of the planned reopening of travel in the coming months. Billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson is set to provide the bulk of the funding through Virgin Group, which is expected to inject around [...]
Virgin Atlantic part-owner Delta posts $12bn loss for 2020 — and is still burning $12m in cash a day January 14, 2021 Delta Airlines, which owns a 49 per cent stake in Virgin Atlantic, has posted an eye-watering $12bn (£8.77bn) loss for 2020.
Easyjet crew join Virgin Atlantic in helping with UK vaccine rollout January 13, 2021 Easyjet crew members will join Virgin Atlantic staff in working with the NHS on the UK’s vaccine rollout, the airline said today. The announcement came after Virgin said that it had called on cabin crew, pilots and office-based staff to “assist with the national effort to save lives”. Crew who apply will be fast-tracked to [...]
BA and Virgin bag £70m of taxpayer money to fly PPE back from China October 16, 2020 British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have been paid more than £70m of taxpayer money to ferry personal protective equipment (PPE) to the UK from China, as the government scrambles to stock up supplies in time for winter. BA, which is the second-largest airline in the UK, was handed £46m between May and July through a [...]
Virgin Atlantic joins calls for airport testing regime September 9, 2020 Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive has added his voice to calls for airport testing to replace the government’s blanket quarantine regime, saying it is the “only way” to get the economy going again. Speaking to the BBC this morning, Shai Weiss said: “The economy, which is already in deep recession will not take off unless we [...]
Virgin Atlantic to cut another 1,150 jobs after £1.2bn rescue deal September 4, 2020 Virgin Atlantic is cutting a further 1,150 jobs as part of a radical restructuring plan following its £1.2bn rescue deal. The airline, founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984, said the cuts were a result of the “devastating” impact of the coronavirus crisis. It comes less than four months after Virgin said it was axing [...]
Virgin Atlantic unveils coronavirus insurance package on eve of crunch bailout vote August 24, 2020 Virgin Atlantic has today unveiled a comprehensive new coronavirus insurance package for all new and existing bookings up until the end of March next year. The new offer was revealed on the eve of a crunch High Court vote on a £1.2bn bailout package that could keep the carrier flying if it is approved. The [...]
Virgin Atlantic secures £1.2bn rescue deal after months of turbulence July 14, 2020 Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic has secured a £1.2bn rescue deal after nearly four months of uncertainty over its future. The deal, which Sky News reported could be unveiled this afternoon, will save thousands of jobs at the embattled carrier. In a statement, chief executive Shai Weiss hailed the deal, saying that the “last six [...]