Wanna Buy An Airline?

We know what you've been thinking: "with higher fares and crowded planes leading the way to actual profits, things sure have turned around for the airlines. After all, US Airways just turned its first profit in more than four years during the first quarter, and United is out of bankruptcy... heck, even Northwest and Delta may end up sticking around for awhile. Maybe now's the time for me to buy an airline myself."

Well, have we got a deal for you.

For a minimum of $860 million -- a mere pittance, right? -- you can buy the Brazilian airline Varig, along with its routes and its aircraft.

Plans to put the airline up for auction were approved by the bankrupt carrier's creditors Tuesday, as perhaps the penultimate chapter in the company's turbulent history.

Routes and planes are set to go on the block within 60 days, according to a statement from the airline's creditors. If the minimum price isn't met, Varig will be sold in pieces for no less than $700 million.

Varig now owns 46 aircraft. According to lawyers for the airline, there are at least ten interested parties, and more are expected... so if you want your own airline, you'd best get in line now.

FMI: www.varig.com