Virgin Atlantic Airways seeks US bankruptcy protection

Virgin said 3,000 of its 9,000 staff would be affected by the cuts.

WASHINGTON/ LONDON/ SYDNEY: Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd is seeking protection from creditors in the United States under Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, which allows a foreign debtor to shield assets in this country, according to a court filing on Tuesday.

Virgin Atlantic's filing in U.S. bankruptcy court in the southern district of New York said it has negotiated a deal with stakeholders "for a consensual recapitalization" that will get debt off its balance sheet and "immediately position it for sustainable long-term growth."