VIRGIN BLUE, the Australian budget airline, which is now the country's second largest carrier, is set for a stock exchange float later this year. The airline confirmed that it will go ahead with an initial public offering (IPO) in its fourth quarter. The airline is owned in a 50/50 partnership by Richard Branson and the Patrick Corporation, the Australian transport giant. The airline first flew on 31 August 2000 and now serves 19 destinations. http://www.virginblue.com.au