Virgin Australia jets impounded by Perth Airport
Claiming it is owed A$16 million in unpaid airport fees, Perth Airport has blocked access to a number of Virgin Australia planes parked on the tarmac.
The airport has effectively seized the aircraft, by blocking the aircraft so they cannot be moved.
It has taken possession of the planes as security and is ‘working with the Virgin administrators.’
"These four aircraft are actually not in service at the moment," Perth Airport chief executive Kevin Brown 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 (fly-in, fly-out) sector," the airport said in a statement.
"Perth Airport has taken liens over the Virgin aircraft — a standard practice in these situations."
The airport is hopeful the Virgin business can be turned around.
"We of all people want to see a viable aviation industry in Australia, and we want to see more than one carrier in Australia."
Virgin said it understands the airport’s motivations.
The airline found an unlikely ally in bitter rival Qantas, which slammed the airport’s tactics.
"Even by Perth Airport’s standards, this is extraordinary behaviour. Protecting your interests is one thing but parking a bulldozer in front of an aircraft while saying you’re ‘working to secure an agreement’ is ridiculous," Qantas said.
"It’s no way to treat a customer of 20 years."
Qantas has its own bitter dispute with Perth Airport over what it calls excessive airport fees.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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