Virgin shortlist

THE administrators of Virgin Australia have put the pedal to the metal on the carrier’s sale, soliciting a shortlist of bidders which has now been whittled down to just two.

Bain Capital and Cyrus Capital Partners now have until 12 June to lodge final bids for the carrier, which was placed into administration in late April. The Bain bid involves former Jetstar CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, while Cyrus has an association with Virgin founder Richard Branson, having backed Virgin America and the 2019 Flybe takeover. Deloitte is hoping to expedite the process which hopefully will see Virgin ramp up its flights, but any hold- ups could see the carrier liquidated as it’s understood the company’s cash is fast running out.

Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director, Tourism Australia