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Virgin Blue shares bomb as leisure markets deteriorates

Virgin Blue shares bomb as leisure markets deteriorates

28 May 2010 Airline News

Shares in Virgin Blue, Australia’s second largest carrier, fell as much as 30 per cent on Friday after it revealed that full-year profits could be as much as 75 percent lower than forecast only weeks ago. It blamed a “rapid deterioration and increased volatility” in trading, with leisure bookings hit particularly hard.

Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand seek alliance

Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand seek alliance

4 May 2010 Airline News

Air New Zealand and Virgin Blue are seeking regulatory approval for an alliance, with the airlines hoping to challeng Qantas as the dominant force in the region. Regulators are expected to take around six months to review the applications prior to authorisation.

Boeing lands biggest order since downturn

Boeing lands biggest order since downturn

3 April 2010 Airline News

Virgin Blue, Australia’s second largest airline, is to embark on a massive spending spree with the purchase of 105 Boeing 737 aircraft. The order represents the largest for Boeing in the past 18 months, as well as the Virgin Blue’s most significant fleet upgrade in its 10-year history.

John Borghetti appointed CEO at Virgin Blue

John Borghetti appointed CEO at Virgin Blue

3 March 2010 Airline News

Former Qantas executive John Borghetti has been appointed chief executive officer at rival Australian airline Virgin Blue. The move has sparked a flurry of activity in the Australian aviation industry, with Colin Storrie also stepping down as finance director at Qantas.

Virgin Blue seeks US$190m to head off record losses

Virgin Blue seeks US$190m to head off record losses

27 July 2009 Airline News

Virgin Blue is looking to raise AU$231 million (US$190 million) in a heavily-discounted share sale after warning today that it was likely to post a full-year loss. Australia’s second-largest airline said the funds would help boost its coffers after this year suffering the worst operating environment in its 10-year history.

Virgin Blue and Delta plot transpacific alliance

9 July 2009 Press Release Airline News

Delta Air Lines and Virgin Blu are planning a joint venture in a bid to expand the reach of both carriers between the US, Australia and the South Pacific.The airlines announced they are seeking regulatory approval for the alliance, and antitrust immunity in the meantime to implement code sharing, frequent-flyer programme reciprocity and lounge exchange rights.

Virgin chiefs receive 40% pay rise, despite job cuts

3 July 2009 Press Release Airline News

Virgin Atlantic has sparked outrage after awarding senior managers a 40 percent pay rise, despite announcing 600 possible job cuts on Wednesday due to week demand.Staff have accused chief executive, Steve Ridgway, of a lack of moral leadership after his salary rose from £500,000 to £700,000. Meanwhile the combined pay of the top three directors rose from £1.4 million to £2 million, according to company accounts.

Job under threat as Virgin cuts flights

2 July 2009 Press Release Airline News

Up to 600 jobs are under threat at Virgin Atlantic after the carrier announced it was cutting back on its winter services. The airline is reducing the number of flights by seven percent compared to last year in response to falling sales. These include cutting its Heathrow-Chicago daily service, and reducing its service between Heathrow and Hong Kong from two to one per day.