A graphic showing Virgin Australia planes and dollar signs.
Asia-Pacific

Virgin Australia: Long a Loser, Now a Winner

Asia-Pacific

Virgin Australia: Long a Loser, Now a Winner

June 2025
38 min read
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat

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.