Virgin Atlantic is still keen to acquire bmi from owner Lufthansa as it seeks to revive its fortunes.

In an interview with Reuters news agency, chief executive Steve Ridway said Virgin Atlantic was still very much involved with the ongoing sales process of the carrier.

Present owner Lufthansa has appointed Morgan Stanley to assess the options for the loss making carrier.

“bmi is an important UK asset and I think it needs to be dealt with wisely,” Ridgway explained.

Virgin Atlantic is keen, along with other carriers, to acquire landing slots at Heathrow Airport in London owned by bmi.

Donington-based bmi presently controls approximately ten per cent of the landing slot at the airport, making it attractive to rivals, including British Airways.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of International Airlines Group – parent company of British Airways – has made no secret of his wish to acquire the airline.