Virgin Atlantic is planning to significantly downsize its operations and close its operation at London Gatwick.

It said the moves were necessary to ‘position itself for a  post-Covid19 future’.

The airline says it believes recovery to pre-crisis levels will take up to three years.

“Accordingly, the airline has taken decisive action to reduce costs, preserve cash and to protect as many jobs as possible. … to safeguard the future of the airline so it can emerge from this crisis a sustainably profitable business.”

The company has announced “a planned reduction of 3,150 jobs across all functions. Working closely with unions BALPA and Unite, a company-wide consultation period of 45 days begins today”.

As part of “Optimising its network and simplifying its fleet” it will fly only wide-body, twin-engine aircraft from London Heathrow and Manchester and move its flights from London Gatwick to London Heathrow, though it says it has “the intention of retaining its slot portfolio at London Gatwick, so it can return in line with customer demand”.

Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic commented: “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.

Virgin is also grounding its seven B747-400s, with four A330-200 aircraft retiring in early 2022 as planned.