Virgin’s administrator has written to the Federal Government, saying it is worried bidders for the troubled airline might pull out in the absence of government support for the airline industry.
Key points:
- Virgin’s administrator Deloitte has written to the Federal Government requesting the airline get financial support including an extension of JobKeeper
- The sale process is at a stage where there are two strong bidders wanting to purchase the company but the uncertainty surrounding air travel could threaten it
- The letter comes as airport workers head to Canberra to urge the Senate to pass a motion reversing changes to JobKeeper that would deny them the $1500 fortnightly wage subsidy
The letter calls on the Government to extend the JobKeeper program for the airline’s 10,000 workers for at least another six months, and guarantee Virgin tickets.
The global aviation industry is facing an uncertain future, with coronavirus halting international travel and airlines announcing job cuts and calling on governments for support.
On Monday, Virgin Australia and Qantas grounded their remaining international passenger operations after government funding for the handful of overseas routes they were flying came to an end.
The limited flights had been i