Virgin Australia Readies Market Comeback: Bain Capital to Raise $685 Million in Blockbuster 2025 IPO
Virgin Australia’s dramatic ASX relisting is set for June 24, sparking fresh investor frenzy and staff windfalls as Bain Capital trims its stake.
- $685 million IPO launch on June 24, 2025
- 236.2 million shares to hit the market
- 23% stake held by Qatar Airways post-IPO
- $3,000 in share rights for eligible Virgin Australia staff
Virgin Australia is gearing up for a high-octane return to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on June 24, 2025, in a deal set to raise an eye-watering $685 million. This marks a major milestone for Bain Capital, which has piloted the airline out of the COVID-era turbulence that grounded its ambitions in 2020.
The relisting will send shockwaves through the aviation investment scene, as the airline seeks a competitive $2.3 billion market capitalisation—still coming in at a bold 30% discount compared to archrival Qantas. Over 236 million shares will land in the hands of keen investors, with bids closing fast on this high-flying opportunity.
Why Is Virgin Australia Relisting Now?
Virgin’s comeback is no accident. After years of restructuring and a lucrative $730 million capital return in 2023 shared among Bain Capital, Virgin Group, and Queensland Investment Corp, the airline has soared back into profitability. Now, Bain plans to shed its majority, lowering its stake to 40%—but not a single Bain share will leave the hangar before December 2025.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways retains a powerful 23% grip after getting the nod from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board, locking in global backing. Virgin Australia employees win too, with thousands scoring a unique “Take-Off Grant”—a $3,000 slice of company equity, provided they stick around for two years post-IPO.
Q&A: What Does Virgin Australia’s IPO Mean for Investors?
Q: How is the IPO priced?
A: Shares are priced at $2.90 each—deliberately set at a 30% discount compared to Qantas’s market value to attract a wave of new and returning investors.
Q: Who stays in control?
A: Post-IPO, Bain remains the largest single stakeholder at 40%, followed by Qatar Airways at 23% and management at nearly 8%.
Q: When will more Bain shares hit the market?
A: Bain must wait until Virgin’s half-yearly results in December. If share price targets are met, Bain may offload up to 10% more.
How To Get Involved in Virgin Australia’s IPO
Want a piece of the action? Brokered shares are open to both institutional and retail investors until Thursday afternoon ahead of the official ASX debut. With the aviation sector on a global rebound, aviation stocks like Qantas and Virgin are red-hot, with opportunities for savvy investors.
Employee interest is sky-high too. Eligible Virgin staffers receive a $3,000 share rights package—convertible to tradable stock after a two-year vesting period, adding extra lift to workforce morale.
What’s Next for Virgin Australia Post-IPO?
Virgin’s fresh leadership under CEO Dave Emerson signals major transformation ahead. After the 2020 shakeup and a series of management changes, Emerson’s mission is clear: fuel aggressive growth, compete fiercely with Qantas, and reward loyal investors and staff alike.
For more on global aviation moves, visit IATA and check updates from the government’s official portal.
This is your moment to ride the tailwinds of Virgin’s rebirth—don’t get left on the tarmac!
- Mark June 24, 2025, on your calendar for the ASX debut
- Review IPO pricing—$2.90/share at a discount to Qantas
- Lock in bids by Thursday afternoon if investing
- Monitor December results for potential Bain share movement
- Virgin staff: Check eligibility for the $3,000 Take-Off Grant
Stay ahead with the latest aviation news and seize your stake in Australia’s airline resurgence!