I remember the red tails at Brisbane Airport like it was last summer. That particular shade of crimson on the livery, the little Virgin logo, the cabin crew in their fitted uniforms — the whole thing felt like an airline that actually enjoyed existing. After years of flying Ansett into decline and then watching the Qantas monopoly take hold, Australians had adopted Virgin as their own. Not just as a discount carrier. As a statement that competition was possible in this country.
Then, on 21 April 2020, Virgin Australia Holdings entered voluntary administration. Deloitte partners Vaughan Strawbridge, John Greig, Sal Algeri and Richard Hughes were appointed administrators. The airline owed roughly $6.8 billion. Around 10,000…