Loss for Virgin Atlantic

VIRGIN Atlantic suffered a second successive year in the red after turbulence caused by economic uncertainty and engine woes.

The airline posted a loss of £38.9m in 2018, compared to £65.5m in 2017.

‘Softer consumer demand’ and the weakness of the pound following the Brexit vote took their toll. The group was also affected by problems with Rolls-Royce engines, which led to the grounding of some of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Chief executive Shai Weiss said: ‘While a loss is disappointing, our performance has improved in 2018 despite challenging economic conditions.’

Revenue increased 5.8pc to £2.8bn, and passenger numbers jumped 4.8pc.