Virgin Atlantic Uses Heathrow Slots as Collateral for $745M Loan

Virgin Atlantic (VS, London Heathrow) has secured a USD 745 million loan from Apollo Global Management, using its valuable Heathrow take-off and landing slots as collateral.

The airline said the financing will strengthen its balance sheet, support fleet upgrades and fund free onboard Wi-Fi for passengers.

In a joint announcement, Virgin Atlantic confirmed that the loan will back a “complete refurbishment” of its Boeing 787-9 fleet, with upgraded interiors and expanded Upper Class and Premium cabins beginning in 2028.

The carrier also revealed plans to add ten new A330-900neo aircraft starting in the third quarter of 2026. The funding will cover premium cabin enhancements and the rollout of Starlink-powered Wi-Fi across its entire fleet.

Virgin Atlantic currently operates 42 in-house aircraft: seventeen Boeing 787-9s, twelve A350-1000s, eight A330-900neos and five A330-300s. The airline has sixteen additional A330-900neos on order.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com

Tags: chaviation

Virgin Atlantic Uses Heathrow Slots as Collateral for $745M Loan

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