
British billionaire and Virgin airline founder Sir Richard Branson has responded to Virgin Australia’s voluntary administration with an open letter to the airline’s employees.
On Tuesday morning, Virgin Australia confirmed it had entered voluntary administration.
“I am so proud of all of you and everything we achieved together,” Branson began. “20 years ago, we wanted to bring much needed competition to Australia’s skies, to lower airfares, to give consumers choice, to create thousands of jobs and put a smile on people’s faces.”
Bill Shorten and Gus Worland discuss the importance of Virgin Australia on the Today show. Post continues below video.
He said he understood today’s news would be upsetting, and made a dig at the federal government which has repeatedly refused to loan money to the airline.
“I know how devastating the news today will be to you all. In most countries federal governments have stepped in, in this unprecedented crisis for aviation, to help their airlines. Sadly, that has not happened in Australia.”
Branson claimed this was not the end and he was determined to see Virgin Australia back up and running soon.