A MAJOR airline has revealed it will be stopping all flights to and from Gatwick Airport and cutting thousands of jobs.

Virgin Atlantic made the shock announcement today in a statement on the company's "post Covid-19 future".

It has been a permanent fixture at Gatwick since its first flight from the airport in 1984.

But now its "flying programme" is being moved to London Heathrow.

This comes just four years after Virgin Atlantic opened a new head office in nearby Crawley.

The site, known as the VHQ, opened its doors in the summer of 2016.

The Argus:

But, with air travel expected to take three years to recover following the lockdown, Virgin Atlantic says it will be slashing 3,150 jobs across the company "in order for the airline to emerge from the (coronavirus) crisis".

A 45-day company-wide consultation period discussing the job losses begins today.

Chief executive Shai Weiss said: "We have weathered many storms since our first flight 36 years ago, but none have been as devastating as Covid-19 and the associated loss of life and livelihood for so many.

"However, to safeguard our future and emerge a sustainably profitable business, now is the time for further action to reduce our costs, preserve cash and to protect as many jobs as possible. It is crucial that we return to profitability in 2021.

"This will mean taking steps to reshape and re-size Virgin Atlantic in line with demand, while always keeping our people and customers at the heart of all we do.

The Argus:

"I wish it was not the case, but we will have to reduce the number of people we employ.

"The commitment of our people throughout this crisis has been nothing but amazing, and the embodiment of true Virgin spirit.

"As we have navigated the Covid-19 crisis, I have been humbled at every step by their solidarity.

"In times of adversity we must support each other so that ultimately, we can emerge a stronger and better Virgin Atlantic.

"After 9/11 and the Global Financial Crisis, we took similar painful measures but fortunately many members of our team were back flying with us within a couple of years.

"Depending on how long the pandemic lasts and the period of time our planes are grounded for, hopefully the same will happen this time.

"Our vision for Virgin Atlantic remains the same - to become the most loved travel company, for our people and our customers.

The Argus:

"Once the crisis stabilises, Virgin Atlantic has an important role to play in contributing to the UK’s economic recovery, providing essential connectivity and competition."

The airline says it has the intention of "retaining its slot portfolio" at Gatwick so it can return if customer demand increases.

It will also stop using seven of its largest aircraft, 747-400s, with existing plans in place to retire four A330-200 aircraft in early 2022.

The company said that this will create a "simplified, greener fleet" of 36 twin engine aircraft, reducing carbon emissions by a predicted ten per cent.

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