EeeeeeK!
Virgin Blue may be the way to get in. Give V Australia lease deals on however many 777s or A380s they want.
But Air NZ must be vulnerable too. And it comes with Australian rights, and has racked up experience with the 777s.
Maybe I'm just too simple minded, but this speculation seems ignore the fact that there is a severe traffic recession on the way, that it will hit Emirates as well, and that when it is over, the familiar faces will all be gone, or looking pretty sorry for themselves.
PS My 0.5 cents a share takeover plan for VBA is looking pretty stuffed.