Virgin have been very clear on their long haul strategy, although implementation has not always gone according to plan. AUH was always a service to help out EY while they lacked aircraft, to the extent they wet leased the aircraft to EY for AUH-KUL ops for some time, in return EY provided a BNE - SIN leg. They then looked at PER AUH with an A330 and wisely decided with the upguage of competitors equipment it was going to be hard, subsequently EY pulled out as well.

Their latest plans were for China, in partnership with HNA, but the death of the main HNA man and subsequent cash flow issues after the group was buying everything in site has halted proceedings.

I don’t mind their current ops, it’s not risky, and has established good loads while not requiring fleet expansion, and we know that JNB didn’t work, as did a few other sort term plays. IIRC they still drop a big bird into NAN from time to time. Next earnings guidance we are likely to hear of changes as the new CEO settles in.