Virgin Atlantic files for bankruptcy-- Chapter 15
Aug 4, 2020, 2:19 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: NYC
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Virgin Atlantic files for bankruptcy-- Chapter 15
https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/4/21...son-chapter-15
Wonder how this will impact DL codeshare flights to LHR, If the Clubhouse there will ever reopen, etc...
Filed in the NY because of stronger US Bankruptcy laws vs. UK Administration, I assume. Same reason LATAM also filed in the US.
Wonder how this will impact DL codeshare flights to LHR, If the Clubhouse there will ever reopen, etc...
Filed in the NY because of stronger US Bankruptcy laws vs. UK Administration, I assume. Same reason LATAM also filed in the US.
Aug 4, 2020, 2:29 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,372
https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/4/21...son-chapter-15
Wonder how this will impact DL codeshare flights to LHR, If the Clubhouse there will ever reopen, etc...
Filed in the NY because of stronger US Bankruptcy laws vs. UK Administration, I assume. Same reason LATAM also filed in the US.
Wonder how this will impact DL codeshare flights to LHR, If the Clubhouse there will ever reopen, etc...
Filed in the NY because of stronger US Bankruptcy laws vs. UK Administration, I assume. Same reason LATAM also filed in the US.
Aug 4, 2020, 2:31 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: SLC, Ut ,USA
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They filed under Chapter 15, not 7 which is full liquidation or 11 which is a reorganization of the whole company. My VERY limited understanding is that filing this way allows them to reorganize their US operations without affecting other aspects of their business in other countries. Whatever in hell that means. Hopefully someone with some real knowledge about Chapter 15 will fill us in.
Aug 4, 2020, 3:59 pm
#4
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Looks like this is tied to the rescue package that was announced earlier this year. Sounds like that has not yet finalized and they are seeking to protect their US assets if they can't complete that rescue and receive the cash infusion before they run out of money in September. It would appear this isn't new issues coming to surface but rather part of the process they started when they announced the rescue package in July.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/bankru...kruptcy-in-u-s
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...kruptcy-in-u-s
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/bankru...kruptcy-in-u-s
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...kruptcy-in-u-s
The company had said during proceedings in the U.K. that it planned to apply for the U.S. protection while it finalizes a rescue plan that’s already supported by a majority of its stakeholders. Virgin is seeking to secure a a 1.2 billion-pound ($1.6 billion) rescue, which was announced in July.
The airline filed its petition in the Southern District of New York. Chapter 15 allows foreign companies with U.S. assets to protect themselves against claims while they work on a turnaround plan at home.
Virgin’s restructuring plan in the U.K. depends on the approval of its Chapter 15 filing in the U.S., the company said in its court filing. Without the plan, there’s uncertainty as to whether Virgin could get enough creditor support to implement its restructuring in time to avoid going into formal insolvency proceedings, according to the filing.“Because VAAL has material assets and operations in the United States, the recognition of the English proceeding and enforcement of the sanction order and the plan through Chapter 15 of the bankruptcy code are necessary to ensure that the plan is effective and binding,” the filing states
Aug 4, 2020, 4:24 pm
#6
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It is a Chapter 15 filing, so I think there also needs to be a foreign bankruptcy proceeding? E.g. a foreign entity with assets in the US can file under Chapter 15, but not in the absence of/as a complete substitute for, a foreign bankruptcy petition. I may be wrong? I haven't been following closely, but did VS enter administration in the UK already?
I'd expect that the non-US airlines that filed their Ch. 11 petitions in the USA (which would be the principal case) filed similar ancillary proceedings in their "home countries" pursuant to the Model Law on Cross Border Insolvency (if enacted there).
I doubt there are many Chapter 15 experts anywhere, although I expect that expertise is happening on the fly now. Next up for on the fly expertise, Chapter 9.
Aug 4, 2020, 4:25 pm
#7
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Does not look good for VS. May be about time to sell of their assets which will likely have more value in an auction than actually using them at this point.
Aug 4, 2020, 5:25 pm
#8
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Who wants and can buy lots of airline assets now, even really cheap? They' re not planning to dissolve the company, only reorganize (hopefully). My guess is that the main role of a Chapter 15 filing is to prevent anyone from seizing or impounding any assets that might be permanently or temporarily located in the USA while bankruptcy details are worked out elsewhere.
BTW, does anyone know whether VS owns or leases its aircraft? Do they have any Boeing or Airbus orders (production slots) that could be of any value to another carrier?
BTW, does anyone know whether VS owns or leases its aircraft? Do they have any Boeing or Airbus orders (production slots) that could be of any value to another carrier?
Aug 4, 2020, 6:02 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2016
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I would expect that when Virgin returns to T3, the LHR Clubhouse will reopen. I have less faith in some of the US lounges coming back at airports where an Air France or Delta lounge may be an option. JFK seems like it will stay because the market is competitive, but if push comes to shove, who knows.
Aug 4, 2020, 6:32 pm
#10
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This is a shrewd business move by a very smart but self-focused CEO. Had he managed his company better he wouldn’t have to do any of this. Instead he wants to make sure he doesn’t pay for any of the downside his company is experiencing.
Aug 4, 2020, 6:44 pm
#11
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Aug 4, 2020, 8:07 pm
#12
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Aug 4, 2020, 11:09 pm
#13
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Keeping my fingers crossed for them. I've always been drawn to the Virgin (Atlantic) brand long before I traveled to London for the first time. I don't know much about the business side, especially outside the US, but It's always baffled me why VS didn't offer flights to big centers in Europe. Not so much to compete with BA, which is tough, but to tie in people that love the brand. But, for some reason VS can't even get a regional operation going. Little Red was great. We still talk about what a great service it was despite traveling to Scotland several times after it went under (and now we have to "connect" to BA to fly to Scotland).
Virgin has a nice Clubhouse in T2 at LAX. Since Delta is basically taking over T2 and T3 I am guessing the Clubhouse could consolidate with Delta's lounge. Still sad.
Virgin has a nice Clubhouse in T2 at LAX. Since Delta is basically taking over T2 and T3 I am guessing the Clubhouse could consolidate with Delta's lounge. Still sad.
Aug 5, 2020, 2:04 am
#15
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Unless the UK and USA governments agree to let airlines such as VS take passengers between the two countries, there isn't much sense for VS to exist. This lockdown has got to end soon. I'm a fan of VS and have enjoyed every flight I've ever taken on them, and I've sat in all classes that they offer.
When things get back to normal I hope they make the VS Clubhouse in IAD a SkyClub (serve tap beer and rail liquor in the mornings and early afternoons, and operate it as a Clubhouse in the 4 hour period before the VS nonstop to LHR).
When things get back to normal I hope they make the VS Clubhouse in IAD a SkyClub (serve tap beer and rail liquor in the mornings and early afternoons, and operate it as a Clubhouse in the 4 hour period before the VS nonstop to LHR).