Virgin Atlantic Airways raises speculation of merger

Virgin Atlantic Airways announced it has received a number of lines of inquiry about potential tie-ups after it suggested it could be interested in a merger earlier this year (AP, 15-Dec-2010). Media reports have stated that Delta Air Lines is among the interested parties. Virgin Atlantic is 49% owned by Singapore Airlines and 51% by Virgin Group. In Nov-2010, the carrier appointed Deutsche Bank to assess the aviation industry and seek growth opportunities. The carrier stated it is too early to comment on individual details. Emirates has denied it is interested in the carrier (Bloomberg, 15-Dec-2010). Delta Air Lines declined to comment.

Virgin Atlantic: "Following Deutsche Bank's recent appointment, we have received a number of lines of enquiry but it is far too early to comment on individual details. We expect Deutsche Bank's work to run on for a number of months but have nothing further to add at this stage," Company statement. Source: Reuters: 15-Dec-2010.