Virgin Australia has entered into voluntary administration,
the Australian equivalent of bankruptcy.
The airline plans to facilitate recapitalization so that it
can emerge from the Covid-19 crisis in a stronger position. While in
administration, the carrier will continue its current barebones schedule of
domestic and international flights, which includes scheduled Los Angeles
flights.
Virgin Australia’s board of directors has appointed accounting
firm Deloitte as administrator of the insolvency process.
The airline, Australia’s second largest behind Qantas, made the
decision to file for bankruptcy after failing to secure additional private
investment or aid from the Australian government.
“Australia needs a second airline and we are determined to
keep flying,” Virgin Australia Holdings Limited CEO Paul Scurrah said in a statement.
“Virgin Australia will play a vital role in getting the Australian economy back
on its feet after the Covid-19 pandemic by ensuring the country has access to
competitive high-quality air travel.”
The airline employs 10,000 people.
Virgin Australia had some $3 billion in debt prior to the
onset of the Covid-19 crisis, having posted seven consecutive annual losses,
according to Sky News. It had lobbied Australia’s government for an AUS $1.4
billion ($880 million) loan.
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