Virgin Atlantic interested in partnership with bmi

Virgin Atlantic has said that with bmi under new ownership it would be interested in joining forces.

The chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, Steve Ridgway, issued a statement on Thursday in which he said: “Everyone has speculated that it would make sense for Virgin Atlantic and bmi to combine their long-haul and short-haul networks. There is now a major opportunity to do that and create a new and even more effective competitor to British Airways.”

The airline boss added: “I am sure that Lufthansa realises the future opportunities and this could be a really good example of the right industry consolidation. It would be good for consumers, for UK plc and European aviation’s competitiveness.”

Ridgway also called Sir Michael Bishop an aviation icon. “He has been a considerable force in championing the cause of the consumer and, along with Virgin Atlantic, has helped to provide much-needed competition to BA, and choice for consumers.”

He noted: “Now we are about to enter the next phase of bmi’s future and a turning point in aviation.”

Analysts were informed on Thursday of Lufthansa’s takeover of bmi.

Thanks to www.travelmole.com for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

www.virgin-atlantic.com