Virgin Atlantic chief executive calls on MPs to prevent ‘significant damage’ of no-deal Brexit

Virgin Atlantic has called on MPs to prevent the "significant damage" caused by a no-deal Brexit.

The airline's chief executive, Craig Kreeger, today wrote to the Transport Select Committee asking for its help to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

He said the prospect of Britain leaving the EU without a deal would “inflict significant damage to the UK economy” and is already "fuelling caution" among UK travellers. 

Kreeger said: “As always, Virgin Atlantic’s priority is to protect the interests of our customers and our people. Throughout the Brexit process we have had this as our guiding principle.

“The government has reached an agreement with the EU that would enable a 21-month transition period to come into effect at the end of March, reducing uncertainty for consumers and businesses.

“It is for parliament to decide whether this deal is the right one for the country, but we are certain that leaving the EU without a deal would inflict significant damage to the UK economy and must be avoided.”

Airline bosses have been united in their opposition to a no-deal scenario. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary warned in October that a hard Brexit could ground planes for up to three weeks. He said such a situation would be "painful" but that the airline would survive.

Britain's aviation regulator has also raised concerns about a no-deal Brexit. In July, it wrote to its EU counterpart for a joint transition plan, but its calls were rejected as the EU agency said it needed "more clarity" on the status of the withdrawal agreement.