Virgin Atlantic eyes 600 job cuts

Virgin said all airlines had to reduce their costs

Virgin Atlantic has said it is consulting with staff over the possibility of making up to 600 redundancies across the business.

The airline said it was reshaping its business to ensure it remained strong during the economic downturn.

"No airline is immune from the recession," said Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway.

The airline said it was talking to staff and unions in order to find ways to avoid compulsory redundancies.

Mr Ridgway added airlines had to reduce their costs because of the current fall in demand for travel.

"We need to stay healthy so we're ready to grow again when economic conditions allow," he said.

Virgin Atlantic employs about 8,500 people worldwide.

Earlier, budget airline Ryanair announced cuts in its summer schedule at Dublin airport, saying it would result in the loss of 200 jobs.