Virgin planning bid for troubled French airline - report

Virgin is planning to buy a troubled French airline, once owned by British Airways, for more than £300 million , it was reported today.

Marc Rochet, Air Liberte’s’ chief executive officer, said Virgin is ready to front a £319 million bid to rescue the company, Liberation newspaper reported.

According to the report, Rochet received a letter on April 20 indicating Virgin’s interest.

Staff at Air Liberte went on strike on Wednesday in protest at job cuts, causing the cancellation of medium and long-haul flights at the onset of a long holiday weekend.

Numerous flights were also cancelled today as some personnel continued the strike.

The operator, which run primarily domestic routes, recently announced a net loss of £224 million for 2000.