Today
Is this as good as it gets for Virgin?
This week on The Fin podcast, Ayesha de Kretser and Anthony Macdonald on Virgin’s return to the market and whether Australia can ever sustain more than two airlines.
Yesterday
Virgin’s comeback is a lesson on managing executive energy
Strategy alone doesn’t supercharge a corporate transformation, it takes a leader who drives change while quietly building reserves for whatever tomorrow brings.
This Month
Inside Virgin’s big day, in the shadow of war and trepidatious markets
Would the long-awaited listing take off? Without a hitch, it seems. And there were plenty there to see it, with more bells and whistles than most IPOs.
Flying over the Middle East? Australians rethink their Europe plans
The Iranian attack on a US airbase in Qatar has put popular flight paths under question. Here are the facts to consider if you plan to fly to the Continent.
IPO market cracks open as Virgin, Greatland shares soar on debut
Fund managers rushed into the airline’s stock in a major win for Bain Capital, which has worked on turning around the business for five years.
Virgin’s well-crafted IPO delivered. Now it must keep its big promise
The airline has provided the perfect model for other listing hopefuls to follow. For chief executive Dave Emerson, the challenge now is to stick to his knitting.
Virgin flights diverted to India, Oman as airline heads for ASX
The airline’s services to Doha were rerouted after Iran struck US military bases in Qatar, closing airspace over the Gulf country and delaying flights.
Virgin prepares for IPO take-off in a test for Bain – and the market
Five years after collapsing into administration, the country’s second-largest airline will finally return to the ASX on Tuesday. There is a lot at stake.
Virgin’s future is now in the hands of the markets gods
The problem with listing ceremonies is they look backwards, but investors look forward. The airline did what it must to relist, but now it’s over to the ASX.
Flights cancelled, rerouted as Middle East conflict escalates
Updated travel advice warns of the possible closure of airspace around transit hubs in the Middle East, affecting flights globally.
Virgin float has Bain in line for $15.9m advisory golden parachute
It will be a nervous wait for the private equity giant’s dealmakers as years of planning come to a head this week with the airline’s return to the ASX.
Virgin Australia IPO too expensive and opportunistic: Morningstar
The first broker note circulated before the airline’s return to the ASX argues Australia’s travel market won’t be a duopoly forever.
Virgin Australia’s $2.3b IPO faces first test as oil prices spike
To investors phoning in, Virgin’s bankers and management have offered a bit more colour than what’s in the prospectus.
A weak IPO market? Here’s one big reason missed in the debate
Investors have long memories, and poor trading by many initial public offerings over the past five years has played a big part in the souring sentiment.
Virgin Australia resumes long-haul flying on Qatar Airways
The first of Virgin’s long-haul flights, using Qatar Airways planes, pilots and crews, is set for take off from Sydney today.
Qantas ends Joyce’s Asian folly as Hudson narrows focus
By shutting Jetstar Asia, Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson is showing investors that she too will home in on the markets that deliver the biggest returns.
Virgin chief Dave Emerson in line for $10m windfall after ASX float
The airline’s prospectus also outlines the big payments each of the other executives are expecting if the company’s share price remains above the IPO price.
Bain Capital seals Virgin’s ASX relisting as fundies commit to IPO
Brokers working on the transaction closed their books hours before expected amid a rush of demand for shares, which are expected to start trading this month.
David Jones, Qantas loyalty tie-up will challenge Wirth’s Myer reboot
The country’s two department store chains are going head-to-head in the battle to leverage customer loyalty, both relaunching rewards programs within weeks.
Painful private market discounts the key to unlocking IPOs
It is ironic that Virgin launched its listing on the same day ASIC released 50 submissions into its public-private markets review.