Virgin Australia Narrows Down Potential Bidders

Who ever lost the bid will have a second opportunity 5 years from now.

VA is a failing operation being bullied by Qantas powers.

Bain Capital is also involved in Virgin Voyages...but are probably regretting that investment now

Wonder what will happen to its new Haneda slot? Will it be given up?

I've got to say, it makes absolutely no sense to me that VA would abandon its LAX business--the international operation to LAX is profitable in its own right, and provides feed that frankly won't be swayed over to DL. Cutting New Zealand and Pacific services--maybe that would do something to their bottom line, but Bali?

I am surprised to see that Bain was selected as they were contrary to what Deloitte and crew wanted to see for the airline. It will be interesting to hear why they were selected. Australia needs another full service airline, monopolies are never good for the customer.

I am a bit confused with the last paragraph regarding Cyrus' wanting to replace 777 with 787/A350.

Australia is big but only 5 hours C-C. If they are giving up international travel they why go with long range thin route aircraft?

Or are they actually planning to retain some international? You certainly don't need a 777 to fly Perth-Sydney.

@Azamaraal

I believe Cyrus wants to continue profitable long haul routes. They would follow Delta with replacing less efficient 777's with long range A350s and B787s, which would take into account both fuel and fewer passengers for the foreseeable future.

VA's LAX flights in partnership with DL were reportedly the 'only' profitable international flights prior to COVID-19.

Considering VA owns 4 of the 5 77Ws, it may be cheaper for Cyrus to mothball them until USA/Australia opens their borders for TransPac travel. Even then it'll be a while before TransPac travel builds up to pre-COVID levels.