Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to downsize it business in response to the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy.
The London-based carrier said it expected a recovery in aviation traffic to pre-crisis levels to take up to three years.
In response, a number of job losses have been announced, with 3,150 roles to go across the carrier.
Working closely with unions BALPA and Unite, a company-wide consultation period of 45 days has begun, Virgin said in a statement.
The new, small Virgin Atlantic is expected to fly only wide-body, twin-engine aircraft from London Heathrow and Manchester to the most popular destinations.
The carrier will no longer use its seven 747-400s, with four A330-200 aircraft retiring in early 2022 as planned.
By 2022 the simplified fleet will comprise of 36 twin engine aircraft – down from 45 planes today.
As a result, Virgin Atlantic said it would move its Gatwick operation to Heathrow, temporarily suspending flights from the south London airport.