May 31 (Reuters) - Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (VAH) :
- Strategic alliance with HNA & new equity investment (VAH)
- Heads of agreement to form a strategic commercial alliance with HNA Aviation Group Co. Ltd
- HNA will also make an equity investment in the Virgin Australia Group
- Investment will be made in form of A$159 million placement of shares
- Following the placement, HNA will have a shareholding of approximately 13 per cent in the Virgin Australia Group
- Says HNA will be invited to nominate a director to the Virgin Australia Group board
- Capital structure review to optimise the Virgin Australia Group's balance sheet and capital structure is ongoing
- HNA intends to increase its shareholding over time up to 19.99 per cent
- Says under the commercial alliance, the companies will look to introduce direct flights between Australia and China