The carrier will be one of the first in the UK to ask for government help after ministers said this week it would only help the struggling industry as a “last resort”.
Reports suggest other airlines including easyJet and regional carriers such as Loganair and Eastern Airways are also considering following Virgin Atlantic’s lead.
Almost all staff at Virgin Atlantic have accepted unpaid leave and Richard Branson has said he will inject $250m into companies across his group, including Virgin Voyages and Virgin Holidays.
