China Southern Airlines (CZ, Guangzhou) and Hainan Airlines (HU, Haikou) have expressed an interest in the acquisition of some, if not all, of Air New Zealand's 25.9% stake in Virgin Australia (VA, Brisbane International).

The Australian Financial Review states the Chinese carriers have already engaged investment banks in Australia about representing their interests.

The report also claims that Virgin Australia has also reached out to joint venture partner Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) about their possible interest as well. Overall, existing 23.11% shareholder Singapore Airlines (SQ, Singapore Changi) is seen as the most likely contender to launch a take-over bid for the carrier which also counts Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) and Virgin Group as largescale shareholders.

Late last month, Air New Zealand announced plans to dispose of its total stake in the Australian carrier. At the time, chairman Tony Carter said that his airline did not want to retain a large minority equity position in Virgin Australia preferring instead to focus on its own growth opportunities.