Virgin Atlantic set to partner with Gulf region air carrier

By Marc Castro

Sep 12, 2013 09:47 AM EDT

Virgin Atlantic's Richard Branson is contemplating the option of forging an east-focused alliance with a major carrier from the Gulf region. They are considering a similar partnership to what is in place with US carrier Delta Air Lines. This was shared by Virgin Atlantic's CEO with Arabian Business.

Just this summer, Delta forwarded a USD360 million bid for the Singapore Airlines' stake in Virgin Atlantic. This stake is 49% of the British air carrier and was recently approved by regulatory authorities in the Europe and in the United Staes. The recent reports showed the formality of agreement would be clearing its final hurdle, specifically receiving immunity from US antitrust laws when the transAtlantic joint venture becomes operational.

Craig Kreeger, former American Airlines executive, who was recently chosen CEO of Virgin Atlantic last February. He is also the first American to become its CEO. He said he has not ruled out an alliance with an air carrier from the Gulf region with the goal to increase the network of the British air carrier to the east.

He said, "We have a number of partners around the world. The question as to whether a Middle East carrier would make sense as an alliance partner, or some form of relationship is one to be determined."

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