30 Aug 2013

$A90m for Virgin Australia from shareholders

12:28 pm on 30 August 2013

Air New Zealand is lending Virgin Australia more than $A20 million so the airline can boost its liquidity.

Air New Zealand, Eithad Airways and Singapore Airlines are lending a total of $A90 million to Virgin.

Virgin Australia lost $A98 million in the 12 months to the end of June, after making a profit of $A23 million the previous year.

It blames tough competition, difficult economic conditions and the costs of taking over Skywest for the loss.

Each of the three airlines will contribute according to their shareholding.

With a 23% stake, Air New Zealand will contribute just over $A20 million. Terms or conditions of the loan have not been disclosed.