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Virgin concludes Skywest transactions, appoints new regional airlines head

written by australianaviation.com.au | April 11, 2013

The now former Skywest fleet is being repainted in Virgin Australia colours. (Dave Parer)

Virgin Australia has concluded its 100 per cent acquisition of Skywest, with the scheme becoming binding on all parties on April 11.

In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Virgin CEO John Borghetti said: “We are very pleased to have completed the transaction and to now be able to bring the Skywest business into the Virgin Australia Group.

“This acquisition gives Virgin Australia the ability to increase competition in these important market segments, which in turn will benefit jobs and tourism, especially in growing regional markets including Western Australia.” Borghetti added.

Coinciding with the conclusion of the Skywest transactions, Virgin Australia has appointed Merren McArthur to the newly created role of group executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.

“I am delighted to announce Merren McArthur will take on the newly created role of Group Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines to drive our regional operations forward and grow our presence in important market segments such as the high growth fly-in-fly-out market and key regional areas across Australia,” Borghetti said.

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Since 2011, McArthur has held the role of group executive alliances, network & yield 
responsible for revenue and yield management, pricing, network planning, scheduling and alliances. She was previously group executive corporate advisory, general counsel and company secretary.

The new role will be based in Western Australia and will be responsible for ensuring a smooth integration of the two businesses, the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ AOC and for growing the airline’s charter business and regional footprint.

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Comments (9)

  • Ron

    says:

    Many congrats! Now lets see the Skywest A320 in Virgin colours!

  • Louis

    says:

    Yer is VH-YUD coming soon the next a320 it should be in virgin colours

  • David

    says:

    Don’t mind the takeover, but WHY must they rebrand it to the boring unimaginative livery, All we will have in Perth now is a sea of Red & White.. as if Perth wasn’t dull enough

  • Red Barron

    says:

    I agree with David The new virgin livery is very bland and boring. Those silly flying girls image on the side cockpit do not go with the rest of the branding. Maybe even the the virgin AUS logo needs to be in a darker font. Jetstar do a great job of marketing their aircraft. Stand out at every airport and whilst flying over head

  • Jonathan

    says:

    The more you see the new virgin livery, the more it appeals. Crisp and clean. Skywest needs this to flourish. There will always be resistance to change. The benefits to the staff of Skywest is massive and the Virgin brand is now becoming huge in Oz. this is a vote of confidence in Skywest and the resources that with flow will transform the business. Congrats to Virgin and congrats to Skywest. This is a game changing move

  • I agree

    says:

    I agree with Jonathon.
    I like the Virgin livery. It has grown on me. Crisp, clever and clean. As for the flying maiden. I love it. Classy.

    Although the colorful ones you see on Virgin Atlantic aircraft would also fit well

  • steve

    says:

    The VA livery is not clever at all. It is thoughtless, bland and basic. The flying maidens look like blobs of mud on the side of the aircraft.

  • Freddie

    says:

    Forget the livery and concentrate on the service and punctuality provided by this new alliance. This is a more memorable aspect of the flight. It is a great opportunity for Virgin and long over due. Airlines make a huge profit by having a consistent market of fly in – fly out passengers. Airlines that have gone before Virgin in this area have made huge profits and Virgin has almost missed the ‘gravy boat’.

  • Matt Barr

    says:

    Keep it up Virgin !
    Job well done….

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