Virgin has refused to comment on speculation that it is planning to shut down its domestic airline Little Red just 18 months after the launch.
Last week, Virgin Atlantic announced it was increasing its transatlantic services but at the same time is axing flights to Cape Town, Mumbai, Tokyo and Vancouver as part of a reorganisation under new chief executive Craig Kreeger.
At the weekend, the Sunday Times speculated that Little Red also faced the chop as, according to Civil Aviation Authority figures, its aircraft were flying almost two-thirds empty last year.
Virgin Atlantic said yesterday: "We look at Little Red through the same lens as the rest of the business – it must deliver on performance, potential or strategic contribution. Little Red is still in its growth phase, so it is too early to comment on these criteria."
