I think VS/VX/VA grouping should either join *A or Skyteam or set up their own alliance with Etihad and other no-aligned airlines. The lack of consistent status benefits when flying with Virgin's partners means that my preference is always to fly OW or *A where I have consistent benefits - a VA partner is a second choice. The VA global network of partners is pretty useless if you are travelling within Europe or not on a route from Australia to somewhere or within the Delta/Etihad/SQ/part of the NZ network.

And if there is to be a Virgin group international tie-up, it would be nice to see this work across all Virgin branded businesses internationally, and see reciprocal benefits with Virgin Trains in the UK!