Virgin Atlantic confirms Gatwick interest

Wednesday 3 September 2008

Airline & Airport Updates

Virgin Atlantic has shown an interest in purchasing London's Gatwick Airport, it has been revealed.

However the airline, which is noted for its good customer service, would only be interested in such a move if other partners were brought into the deal.

Paul Charles, communications director for Virgin Atlantic, said: "We would be interested in possibly buying Gatwick, but only as part of a consortium.

He added that Virgin "would not do it alone".

The sale of Gatwick airport has been the subject of much press speculation in recent weeks after a Competition Commission (CC) investigation concluded provisionally that the airport's owner, BAA, should sell three of its hubs.

A report in the Daily Telegraph recently suggested that Richard Branson could make an offer for the airport of £2 billion should it be put on sale.

BAA has ruled out that it would sell Heathrow although the final CC report, due out later this year, is tipped to stipulate that the group sell at least two London airports.