Virgin Australia has concluded its 100 per cent acquisition of Skywest, with the scheme becoming binding on all parties on April 11.
In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Virgin CEO John Borghetti said: “We are very pleased to have completed the transaction and to now be able to bring the Skywest business into the Virgin Australia Group.
“This acquisition gives Virgin Australia the ability to increase competition in these important market segments, which in turn will benefit jobs and tourism, especially in growing regional markets including Western Australia.” Borghetti added.
Coinciding with the conclusion of the Skywest transactions, Virgin Australia has appointed Merren McArthur to the newly created role of group executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.
“I am delighted to announce Merren McArthur will take on the newly created role of Group Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines to drive our regional operations forward and grow our presence in important market segments such as the high growth fly-in-fly-out market and key regional areas across Australia,” Borghetti said.
Since 2011, McArthur has held the role of group executive alliances, network & yield responsible for revenue and yield management, pricing, network planning, scheduling and alliances. She was previously group executive corporate advisory, general counsel and company secretary.
The new role will be based in Western Australia and will be responsible for ensuring a smooth integration of the two businesses, the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ AOC and for growing the airline’s charter business and regional footprint.
