2015 as an example.....
Virgin Australia Domestic reported Underlying EBIT of $111.1 million for the 2015 financial year, an improvement of $210.1 million on the prior corresponding period. Operating margins improved from -3.1 per cent to +3.4 per cent.
Virgin Australia International reported an Underlying EBIT of -$68.9 million for the 2015 financial year, a decline of $22.8 million on the prior corresponding period.
Uhmmm, how about 2016 onwards?
LAX was reported to be their 'only' long haul destination making revenue. No use keeping the 777 (even if they ended up mortgaged/borrowed against at the time VA 1.0 filed voluntary administration) if the other long haul destinations i.e HKG, AUH, et al even with former owners support in HNA, EY et al were bleeding red ink/losing money on a weekly basis.
I specifically referenced the triple 7, not the A330 operation. And as you said, it was making money. Prior to administration and the covid scam, Virgin's USA operation was great, the competition kept fares at a reasonable level and made money.