Shai Weiss Virgin Atlantic Sustainability Target

Chief Executive of the Virgin Atlantic airline was happy to tell leading players in the UK airport operators field the direction and plans that the company is heading in over the coming years.

Shai Weiss the cheerful and upbeat boss covered such serious subjects such as the uncertainty and delays around Brexit and the key point that he feels is sustainability in air travel.

Virgin Atlantic Shai Weiss speaks about new A330 planes at AOA Conference, London.

The latter being a subject that came up numerous times during the two-day conference in the former County Hall building next to Westminster Bridge in London.

VIRGIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE PUTS AIRPORT OPERATORS IN THE PICTURE…VIDEO INTERVIEW

Some 150 representatives from airports around the UK and the many of the companies that support them in some way, from security to engineering and construction companies too.

The Airport Operators Association (AOA) bring together these key players every year.

Shai Weiss wanted to point out that the airline was pursuing a carbon neutral policy over the coming years.

Interview with Shai Weiss Virgin Atlantic boss at AOA Conference, London with Mishal Husain.

Buying the latest mainly leaner fuel burning twin engine passenger planes such as the Airbus A350 and the A330 ranges. A sustainable fuel search and development policy is ongoing as is stopping the use of single use plastic or non-recyclable items on its planes.

Here he stressed that they will get 30 to 35% reduction in CO2 and in the coming years they expect an overall reduction of around 32%.  They will also be investing in carbon offset as well.

Shai Weiss Virgin Atlantic delighted with new A350 for the airline and its leaner fuel burn.

He explained also the acquisition of Flybe and how the purchase literally went to the wire in order to get the deal done. Those planes will start flying under the brand name Virgin Connect in late 2020 he announced.

Problems such as the demise of the travel company Thomas Cook also had an affect on the airline.

Shai Weiss Virgin Atlantic boss speaks at AOA Conference, London about Brexit and sustainability .

Dealing with Brexit or a no deal Brexit that they had detailed plans to overcome the problems and the various deadlines that had come and gone were ready to be put into operation twice but so far have not yet been needed. And he pointed out that the forthcoming date of 31^st January 2020 that their plans are certainly in place if required.

Special finance arrangements are in place should the value of the British pound against the dollar dip, which is the currency that the airlines mostly trade in and 60% of their costs are priced in dollars.

Shai Weiss Virgin Atlantic boss speaks about lean burning planes at AOA Conference, London.

Having many European staff, they have sorted their employment situations with the company, so they will able to carry on working as normal should a no deal Brexit be the result at the end of this coming January too.

He outlined the financial situation of the airline in a question and answer session with Mishal Husain a BBC news presenter who moderated at the event.

Shai Weiss Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive Tells of Airline’s Financial Situation

The overall financial situation of the airline has changed dramatically. A few years ago, they were running with losses of £130M. He went on to say that they had planned to be in profit in 2021. Currently he said the airline has returned to growth and is on the brink of profitability and they will exceed their financial targets for this year.

Shai confirmed that the key agreement with Delta, KLM and Air France has been approved last week by the United States.

Plan to link to local schools for Virgin Atlantic here in the UK.  Airline pilot for Virgin Airlines Adele Roberts.

He also explained about a special education project with several schools in areas where the company operates. This is to encourage local pupils and often girls to get involved and in doing so they could easily in ten years be the pilots that Virgin Atlantic would be looking for!