Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd (ASX:VBA) has affirmed it will continue to pursue regulatory approval of its planned alliances with US and New Zealand airlines.
Both the US Department of Transportation and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission blocked the airline's proposed tie-ups earlier this month.
CEO John Borghetti told SKY TV that the decision by the regulators was very disappointing, and Virgin has a strong case for pursing the alliances with Delta Air Lines on Australia-US services, Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand.
Mr Borghetti says the company will go to all lengths to win the competition watchdog's approval, and is confident that it can put a case forward when it meets with the ACCC in the next fortnight.
Mr Borghetti has refuted claims of anti-competition, and says Virgin plans to bring capacity and competition to the aviation industry.
Virgin Blue reported profit of $21.3 million for the 2010 financial year.
VBA Price at posting:
41.5¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held
