
Virgin Australia: Long a Loser, Now a Winner
Virgin Australia: Long a Loser, Now a Winner
Skift Take
In this Australian version of David versus Goliath, Goliath always wins — at least until now. After years in the long shadow of Qantas, Virgin Australia appears to be closing the profitability gap. For the 2024 calendar year, it posted a superior operating margin of 10.8%, edging out Qantas at 10.6%. With Qatar Airways now holding a 25% stake and an IPO on the horizon, this week’s feature story explores what lies ahead for Australia's resurgent challenger.
Issue Overview
In this Australian version of David versus Goliath, Goliath always wins — at least until now. After years in the long shadow of Qantas, Virgin Australia appears to be closing the profitability gap. For the 2024 calendar year, it posted a superior operating margin of 10.8%, edging out Qantas at 10.6%. With Qatar Airways now holding a 25% stake and an IPO on the horizon, this week’s feature story explores what lies ahead for Australia's resurgent challenger.