Virgin Atlantic to pull out of Gatwick and cut 3,150 jobs

Major airline Virgin Atlantic has announced that it is to pull out of Gatwick Airport and is to cut more than 3,000 jobs.
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The move is another major blow to Gatwick amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Virgin Atlantic, announcing its plans today, said that it was necessary to ‘reshape and resize’ its business to ensure that it was ‘fit for the future in response to the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy, our nation and the travel and aviation industry.’

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The airline said it was continuing to ‘explore all available options to obtain additional external funding.’

Virgin Atlantic SUS-141229-162006001Virgin Atlantic SUS-141229-162006001
Virgin Atlantic SUS-141229-162006001

Meanwhile, it said, it would fly only wide-body, twin-engine aircraft from Heathrow and Manchester, moving its flying programme from Gatwick to Heathrow, “with the intention of retaining its slot portfolio at London Gatwick, so it can return in line with customer demand.”

It said decisions had been taken ‘aimed at preserving as many jobs as possible’ but in order for it to emerge from the crisis, it had to cut 3,150 jobs across all functions.

Virgin Atlantic chief executive officer Shai Weiss said: “We have weathered many storms since our first flight 36 years ago, but none has been as devastating as Covid-19 and the associated loss of life and livelihood for so many.

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“However, to safeguard our future and emerge a sustainably profitable business, now is the time for further action to reduce our costs, preserve cash and to protect as many jobs as possible.

“It is crucial that we return to profitability in 2021. This will mean taking steps to reshape and resize Virgin Atlantic in line with demand, while always keeping our people and customers at the heart of all we do.

“I wish it was not the case, but we will have to reduce the number of people we employ. The commitment of our people throughout this crisis has been nothing but amazing, and the embodiment of true Virgin spirit.

“As we have navigated the Covid-19 crisis, I have been humbled at every step by their solidarity. In times of adversity we must support each other so that ultimately, we can emerge a stronger and better Virgin Atlantic.

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“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.”

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