VS are using BA to babysit the 3 slots that they received 2 weeks ago at the slots convention in BOS. This is because they cannot operate the slots just yet due to a lack of a/c. They will have to wait until their new 346's arrive before taking over the slots. The reason why VS approached BA was because it was deemed more viable and senseable than letting AF babysit them as has been happening. VS will be handed back the first slot in October.
VS will not join the *a due to a number of reasons. They (like EK) feel that joining an alliance will help them much at this point, they are happy with the agreememnts they have with BD,MH,SQ,HW,CO that they have currently. They also wont want there beloved clubhouses being used by anyone which is what will happen if they join *a. The star just doesnt sit into there business plan currently.
Personally with regards to BD I wouldnt be surprised if VS somehow took over there MAN long haul routes in the future. I cant really see VS and BD fully merging i would guess that BD would operate European routes with VS getting the rest. Although latest rumour out of Crawley is that big expanssion will be announced at MAN as soon as they get enough a/c. The current problem for VS is there lack of a/c. Remember in 3 years they will be double the size they are today.