Virgin Atlantic to cut up to 600 jobs

Monday, 16th February 2009

As it works to retain its financial strength during the economic downturn, the airline has said that it will continue to reshape its business as necessary.

Virgin Atlantic is consulting with its employees at this time about the possibility of 600 job cuts across its business.

“We are keeping our staff fully informed and will be working closely with staff and union representatives in order to find ways to protect as many jobs as possible and avoid compulsory redundancies,” a spokesman for Virgin Atlantic noted.

The airline’s chief executive, Steve Ridgway, said: "No airline is immune from the recession and we continue to reshape our business to ensure we're in the best position for the longer term.”

Ridgway added: “With falling demand for travel, airlines have to reduce their costs through a variety of measures including cutting capacity, freezing pay, unpaid leave and, regrettably, adjusting staff numbers. We need to stay healthy so we're ready to grow again when economic conditions allow."

As Virgin Atlantic made its announcement, word also came from Ryanair about the reduction of its Dublin workforce by 200 jobs as it cuts capacity there.

Late last year, British Airways reduced its workforce by hundreds of managers through voluntary redundancies, and is forecasting an operating loss of £150 million for its current financial year.

← Airbus designer considers adding bunk beds
→ Ferrovial faces two airport sales after Gatwick
↑ February 2009 news index

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