As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc around the world, Australians are hunkering down in their houses in a bid to avoid contact with the potentially deadly virus.
Many states and territories have closed their borders and Australians have been banned from travelling overseas, with very few exceptions.
As the nation stays indoors, many businesses are doing it tough, and the tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit.
With $5 billion in debt and no hope of a government bailout, the company said it planned to “recapitalise the business” and appointed accounting firm Deloitte to act as its administrator.
But where did it all begin? And why has its billionaire founder not stumped up the cash to save Australian jobs?
Virgin’s history in Australia
In 2000, Virgin Australia first entered the Australian aviation market with just one route, two aircraft and 200 employees.
Then known as Virgin Blue, the airline’s first flight was from brisbane to sydney on August 31, 2000 and the following year it launched 14 new routes and welcomed its millionth guest.
