Virgin Group searching for partner for Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic Airways founder and Virgin Group Chairman Sir Richard Branson stated the carrier needs a partner to compete with British Airways and that he plans to stay a "major shareholder" in the carrier. Sir Richard stated the carrier has seen some offers and is in discussions with "various people" without elaborating further.
- Virgin Atlantic Airways is seeking a partner to compete with British Airways, and founder Sir Richard Branson plans to remain a major shareholder in the carrier.
- Deutsche Bank is conducting a review into the future of Virgin Atlantic, while Singapore Airlines currently holds a 49% stake in the airline.
- easyJet reported a year-on-year increase of 11.9% in passenger numbers for March 2011, with a slight decrease in passenger load factor.
- airberlin reported a marginal decline of 0.2% in passenger numbers for March 2011, but an increase in passenger load factor.
- Shares of UK and Ireland-based carriers, including Aer Lingus and Dart Group, experienced positive growth, along with easyJet, Thomas Cook, and Ryanair.
- The article includes selected daily share price movements for European airline shares on April 6, 2011.
Deutsche Bank is conducting a review into the future of the carrier. Singapore Airlines controls 49% of the airline.
easyJet reported the following traffic highlights in Mar-2011:
- Passenger numbers: 4.4 million, +11.9% year-on-year;
- Passenger load factor: 86.9%, -0.6 ppt.
airberlin reported the following traffic highlights in Mar-2011:
- Passenger numbers: 2.6 million, -0.2% year-on-year;
- Passenger load factor: 73.6%, +1.8 ppts.
Shares in UK and Ireland based carriers lead a better day for European airline shares. Aer Lingus rose 4.1%, while Dart Group, parent of Jet2.com, was up 4%. easyJet, Thomas Cook and Ryanair all traded strongly.
Selected EAD daily share price movements (% change): 06-Apr-2011
