Cathay bought all of their 777-200s with the smaller door, a disconnect between purchasing and cargo as to the requirement. Some years ago, but VA aren't the only dummies in this game.
Not widely known, HNA book dodge up to 30% tax on new aircraft when they put second hand aircraft into China. It is the rumoured reason for the loss making Hong Kong Airlines, another HNA subsidiary, even being in existence: cycling aircraft through to the mainland parts of the company after a year or two in HK. Maybe a bunch of HNA leased A330s heading for VA?
And don't discount the value of this company to the Chinese. The Lowy Institute used their big brains to push Qantas into this whole China and Asia Jetstar set up because that is where the statistics said the massive market potential is. Jetstar is a failure in Asia, but HNA already have the China network to do what Qantas couldn't, they just needed the Aus part. Perhaps we will see a paint scheme change soon to the red and yellow?