AUSTRALIA. Perth Airport has seized a number of Virgin Australia aircraft and according to reports has parked vehicles, including a bulldozer, in front of four to stop them being moved.
Virgin Australia, which was driven into voluntary administration this week by its mounting debts, owes Perth Airport A$16 million (US$10.19 million) for its terminal lease and airfield usage.
It has been reported that the company owes A$6.9 billion (US$4.39 billion) to about 10,000 creditors, including employees, aircraft lessors, trade creditors, and landlords.
Virgin’s base at Perth, T1 Terminal, has been closed for weeks due to coronavirus.
A spokesperson for Perth Airport said: “Virgin has significant outstanding invoices from Perth Airport for airfield and terminal use charges – money the airline has already collected from its passengers and the FIFO sector.
“While Perth Airport is working with the Virgin administrators, it also needs to protect its own interests. Perth Airport has taken liens over a number of Virgin aircraft – a standard practice in these situations.’’
However, the airport has emphasised that it is co-operating with Virgin’s administrators to help the airline survive the coronavirus crisis.
The spokesperson added: “Maintaining a two-airline system in Australia post-COVID-19 is absolutely essential for the aviation and tourism sectors, and the broader economy.
“The aircraft affected are not being used for current FIFO or interstate operations and have been parked at Perth Airport for some time now. There will be zero impact on the State’s resources sector.
“At this point in time, we continue to facilitate Virgin’s FIFO flights through T2 while we try to secure an agreement with the administrators.’’
