Virgin Atlantic to ground up to 85% of fleet in coronavirus crisis

LONDON (Reuters) – Virgin Atlantic, the UK-based airline, said it would ground 75% of its fleet by 26 March and by up to 85% at points in April, as it canceled more flights due to coronavirus.

Virgin, which is 51% owned by Richard Branson’s group and 49% owned by U.S. airline Delta , said it will also ask staff to take eight weeks unpaid leave over the next three months to try to cut costs but avoid job losses.

(Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Kate Holton)