By THABO KOBOKOANE

SUN AIR has shot down suggestions that Virgin Atlantic is assured of victory in its bid to buy the airline.

The government this week announced that eight bidders had been shortlisted as buyers for Sun Air. Don Keth, pilot and co-chairman of Sun Air's restructuring committee, said: "Virgin is one of eight bidders and every single one of them stands a chance. We will negotiate the best deal possible for government and employees alike."

In a move which contained few surprises, Public Enterprises Minister Stella Sigcau this week named Virgin Atlantic-Bhekilanga, Malaysia Air, Air France, Comair-NSA Investments, Rethabile Consortium, Ukhozi-Sanco Consortium, Phoenix Venture Partners and Maru Investments as bidders.

Keth said the new owners would have to demonstrate their commitment to further expansion of the airline, skills and technology transfer.

Analysts expect government to net up to R200-million from the sale of Sun Air when it is finalised in August.