Richard Branson says ‘Virgin Atlantic needs government loan to survive'

As the Australian airline he founded teeters on the brink of administration, Sir Richard Branson has warned staff working for Virgin Atlantic that the carrier could close if a government loan is not forthcoming. “We are operating in many of the hardest hit sectors, including aviation, leisure, hotels and cruises, and we have more than 70,000 people in 35 countries working in Virgin companies. Over those years it has created real competition for British Airways, which must remain fierce for the benefit of our wonderful customers and the public at large.