Virgin Australia has concluded its 100 per cent acquisition of Skywest, with the scheme becoming binding on all parties on April 11.
In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Virgin CEO John Borghetti said: “We are very pleased to have completed the transaction and to now be able to bring the Skywest business into the Virgin Australia Group.
“This acquisition gives Virgin Australia the ability to increase competition in these important market segments, which in turn will benefit jobs and tourism, especially in growing regional markets including Western Australia.” Borghetti added.
Coinciding with the conclusion of the Skywest transactions, Virgin Australia has appointed Merren McArthur to the newly created role of group executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.
“I am delighted to announce Merren McArthur will take on the newly created role of Group Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines to drive our regional operations forward and grow our presence in important market segments such as the high growth fly-in-fly-out market and key regional areas across Australia,” Borghetti said.
Since 2011, McArthur has held the role of group executive alliances, network & yield responsible for revenue and yield management, pricing, network planning, scheduling and alliances. She was previously group executive corporate advisory, general counsel and company secretary.
The new role will be based in Western Australia and will be responsible for ensuring a smooth integration of the two businesses, the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ AOC and for growing the airline’s charter business and regional footprint.
Ron
says:Many congrats! Now lets see the Skywest A320 in Virgin colours!
Louis
says:Yer is VH-YUD coming soon the next a320 it should be in virgin colours
David
says:Don’t mind the takeover, but WHY must they rebrand it to the boring unimaginative livery, All we will have in Perth now is a sea of Red & White.. as if Perth wasn’t dull enough
Red Barron
says:I agree with David The new virgin livery is very bland and boring. Those silly flying girls image on the side cockpit do not go with the rest of the branding. Maybe even the the virgin AUS logo needs to be in a darker font. Jetstar do a great job of marketing their aircraft. Stand out at every airport and whilst flying over head
Jonathan
says:The more you see the new virgin livery, the more it appeals. Crisp and clean. Skywest needs this to flourish. There will always be resistance to change. The benefits to the staff of Skywest is massive and the Virgin brand is now becoming huge in Oz. this is a vote of confidence in Skywest and the resources that with flow will transform the business. Congrats to Virgin and congrats to Skywest. This is a game changing move
I agree
says:I agree with Jonathon.
I like the Virgin livery. It has grown on me. Crisp, clever and clean. As for the flying maiden. I love it. Classy.
Although the colorful ones you see on Virgin Atlantic aircraft would also fit well
steve
says:The VA livery is not clever at all. It is thoughtless, bland and basic. The flying maidens look like blobs of mud on the side of the aircraft.
Freddie
says:Forget the livery and concentrate on the service and punctuality provided by this new alliance. This is a more memorable aspect of the flight. It is a great opportunity for Virgin and long over due. Airlines make a huge profit by having a consistent market of fly in – fly out passengers. Airlines that have gone before Virgin in this area have made huge profits and Virgin has almost missed the ‘gravy boat’.
Matt Barr
says:Keep it up Virgin !
Job well done….