Virgin loses Moscow route right
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.RICHARD BRANSON yesterday questioned the Government's commitment to airline competition after his airline, Virgin, lost the right to operate flights from London to Moscow.
Rival airline British Midland won an appeal against a UK Civil Aviation Authority decision to award Virgin a licence to fly on the route, which became available as part of an Anglo-Russian agreement to break the current British Airways-Aeroflot duopoly.
Virgin said it planned to appeal against the Moscow decision to John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister (pictured), who ordered the CAA to re-hear the licensing application following British Midland's appeal. This is the first time the Government has in effect over-ruled the CAA, and means that Virgin has lost three route applications in the last 12 months. Virgin lost the rights to fly to Las Vegas, US, and to Cape Town, South Africa, on both routes losing to BA. A decision is expected next week on the tussle between the two carriers to operate the new Shanghai route.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments