A Virgin Australia announced that Qatar Airways is interested in acquiring a 25% minority stake in the carrier, seeking to consolidate the partnership that began in 2022. The airlines share a partnership agreement codeshare, providing engers with access to networks, lounges and loyalty programs of both.
“This partnership provides a missing piece to Virgin Australia’s long-term strategy and is a huge vote of confidence in Australian aviation. More importantly, it will further strengthen Virgin Australia’s ability to compete in the long term, which will inevitably translate into more choice and even better airfares for consumers, as well as additional jobs in Australian aviation.” Commented the CEO of Virgin Australia, Jayne Hrdlicka.
A notable aspect of this agreement is the reintroduction of aircraft widebody in the Virgin Australia fleet, through a lease wet. O Qatar Airways intends to increase traffic to Doha, with flights to Australian destinations such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
The lease crewed flights are scheduled to begin in 2025, enabling more than 100 new connecting itineraries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Australian engers via the hub. Qatar Airways at Hamad International Airport.
With the approval, the agreement between the Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways has the potential to challenge the supremacy of Qantas, especially after two other Australian airlines went into istration, Bonza e Rex.
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