Bombshell claims emerge after Virgin Australia staff member was allegedly raped in Fiji after New Year's Eve celebration

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Allegations have emerged that Virgin Australia was aware of the dangers its air crew faced prior to the alleged rape of a 21-year-old employee in Fiji.

An investigation by the Daily Telegraph revealed several Virgin staff members had aired complaints about the safety of overnight accommodation in the lead-up to the alleged attack on New Year's Day.

The outlet claimed staff's drinks had been spiked while staying in Bali and a crew member was choked near her accommodation in Perth.

Other concerns included alleged unsafe working expectations, high demands on new recruits and the repeated hiring of young workers. 

Virgin Australia said the safety of its staff is a top priority and all incidents have been investigated. 

Inside sources claimed working conditions at the airline began to decline when it was bought by private investment firm Bain Capital.

The company entered voluntary administration during the pandemic and cut costs across its operations - including the dismissal of 3,000 experienced staff in 2020. 

Virgin Australia had an astonishing $5billion of debt prior to Covid lockdowns and sought to improve its financial situation under its new CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka.

Several Virgin staff members allegedly aired complaints about the safety of overnight accommodation in the lead up to the alleged rape of a flight attendant (stock image)

Once the carrier began re-hiring it offered a starting wage of $45,526, which was criticised for being too low for workers with dependents or a mortgage. 

The result was a young workforce with many new employees aged in their teens or early twenties. Many still lived at home.

Flight Attendants Association of Australia industrial relations manager Steven Reed explained the dangers of a young air crew on international flights - which was previously restricted to people over 21 years old.

'What we do notice is that the lack of life skills that comes with recruiting 18-year-olds that exist, particularly when you send them overseas to hotels and they may never have been out Australia before,' he said.

'They don't have those necessary life skills to be wary of certain things.'

The latest allegations come just weeks after a 21-year-old Virgin flight attendant was allegedly raped in Fiji by farmer Ilaisa Tanoa Degei, 24.

It's alleged Degei posed as an unregistered taxi driver, known locally as the Pari, and offered to drive the young woman to her accommodation at the Tanoa International Hotel.

She had been celebrating New Year's Eve with other Virgin crew members at Bar One, in Nadi, but sought to leave after one of her co-workers was allegedly robbed.

Fijian farmer Ilaisa Tanoa Degei (pictured) allegedly raped a 21-year-old Virgin Australia flight attendant on New Year's Day

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Mr Degei allegedly raped the flight attendant about 1am on January 1. He was charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of rape.

Virgin staff have since aired safety concerns about the Tanoa International Hotel, which was approved by the Flight Attendant's Association of Australia.

Staff complained of the hotel's location and a lack of nearby amenities.  

The hotel, which has a longstanding contract with Virgin, is protected by security guards and security gates.

However, it's alleged the accommodation didn't start using the measures until after the alleged rape. 

Neither Qantas or Jetstar staff stay at the Tanoa International Hotel.

Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine said it was vital Virgin prioritise the safety of its crews.

'Virgin and owners Bain Capital must consult closely with cabin crew on areas of concern and make all necessary steps to prevent serious incidents like this in the future,' he said.

The Telegraph also addressed other alleged incidents involving Virgin Australia staff.

Crew members were allegedly spiked while staying at the Holiday Inn Resort Baruna in Kuta, a popular tourist destination south of Denpasar.

Another worker was alleged choked near the Mercure Hotel in Perth's CBD, located across from Perth's Magistrates Court.

The hotel had previously been denied as accommodation for Qantas after the FAAA determined it did not meet the standards set in its enterprise bargaining agreement.

A Virgin Australia spokesperson confirmed staff undergo safety training for both domestic and international flights.

It has also increased the starting wage for workers to $55,974 and allows them to claim paid daily overtime.

'Safety remains our highest priority and we take a thorough and proactive approach to ensure the welfare of our crew when travelling for work, both domestically and internationally,' the spokesperson said.

'All reported safety incidents are promptly reviewed, and we do not hesitate to implement necessary changes and controls to ensure our team remain safe.'

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