Virgin Atlantic secures £1.2 billion rescue deal
Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a £1.2 billion bailout package involving only private funds.
The plan to secure its future includes £200 million being provided by founder Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group.
Support has also been given by Delta Air Lines – which owns 49% of Virgin Atlantic – new private investors and existing creditors.
The deal must secure approval from relevant creditors through a process introduced as part of government reforms to corporate restructurings.
ITV News Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen on where the bailout money is coming from
The airline’s chief executive Shai Weiss said: “Few could have predicted the scale of the Covid-19 crisis we have witnessed and undoubtedly, the last six months have been the toughest we have faced in our 36-year history.
“We have taken painful measures, but we have accomplished what many thought impossible.
“The solvent recapitalisation of Virgin Atlantic will ensure that we can continue to provide vital connectivity and competition to consumers and businesses in Britain and beyond.
“We greatly appreciate the support of our shareholders, creditors and new private investors and together, we will ensure that Virgin Atlantic can emerge a sustainably profitable airline, with a healthy balance sheet.”
Hedge fund Davidson Kempner will lend Virgin Atlantic £170 million.
Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic’s other shareholder – Virgin Group – will collectively defer £400 million of fees.
Creditors have agreed to defer more than £450 million of payments.
Virgin Atlantic said it does not expect demand for air travel to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels until 2023.
In May it announced that it would shrink its operations, including closing its Gatwick base and cutting 3,550 jobs.
It is due to resume flights on Monday after suspending passenger services due to the virus.