Virgin Atlantic lead possible bid to buy Gatwick
Virgin Atlantic has entered into talks with financial partners about a possible offer to buy Gatwick.
A spokesman from the airline said that talks were at an early stage but Virgin Atlantic are intending on approaching other airlines about forming a consortium to place a bid, once they have secured backing.
The airline, which is largely owned by Sir Richard Branson, already owns a seventh stake in a consortium that owns NATS (the UK’s system of air traffic control) and Sir Richard believes consortium ownership could be suitable for the airport at Gatwick.
The bid comes as the Competition Commission signaled its intention to force BAA to sell three of its seven airports.
Spokesman for Virgin Atlantic, Paul Charles said “There is the potential to fundamentally restructure how airports are run once the BAA break-up is confirmed. Competing airlines own NATS and that works very well.”
He added “Why not have airlines running airports. It would make the experience for passengers so much better than it is today.”
A company which Virgin Atlantic has close ties with, Dubai International Capital has already thought to have expressed interest in buying Gatwick, with a price-tag of up to £3 billion.
Visit www.virgin-atlantic.com for more information on the airline.
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