A new agreement with Link Airways will see Virgin Australia grow its regional footprint by 45 per cent. Commencing immediately, the new codeshare deal will result in 90 flights across 17 regional routes added to Virgin’s domestic operation.
The partnership will benefit Velocity Frequent Flyer’s nearly 12 million members, allowing them to earn Points and Status Credits on Link Airways-operated codeshare flights by Virgin Australia. Platinum, Gold and Silver members will earn bonus Points and extra baggage allowance, while eligible members can also access Virgin lounges.
Thanks to the new arrangement, Virgin Australia flyers can now book travel to 42 Australian destinations, including Inverell, Wollongong and Biloela, with through check-in and baggage transfer, a first for these locations.
“Today’s announcement in partnership with Link Airways underscores our commitment to delivering great value, flexibility and choice to Australians, and boosting connections for customers living in regional Australia,” Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley said.
“Importantly, the partnership is also set to support regional trade and tourism in destinations like Inverell, Wollongong and Biloela, which are not currently serviced by any other major airline.
“Together, our networks will be operating up to 365 daily flights across Australia, offering 42 domestic destinations for guests to explore, all while ensuring guests can enjoy seamless connectivity and loyalty benefits under our award-winning Velocity Frequent Flyer program when they travel.”
Link Airways CEO Andrew Major said, “Link Airways is very pleased to join Virgin Australia in announcing this codeshare agreement which will provide significant additional travel opportunities to passengers Australia-wide, particularly those in regional areas”.
“Benefits will include better connectivity and more choice for regional customers thanks to Virgin Australia’s expansive route network.”
New regional routes available as Virgin Australia codeshare:
- Brisbane <> Coffs Harbour (BNE-CFS)
- Brisbane <> Bundaberg (BNE-BDB)
- Brisbane <> Biloela (BNE-ZBL)
- Brisbane <> Inverell (BNE-IVR)
- Brisbane <> Narrabri (BNE-NAA)
- Brisbane <> Dubbo (BNE-DBO)
- Brisbane <> Orange (BNE-OAG)
- Brisbane <> Tamworth (BNE-TMW)
- Brisbane <> Armidale (BNE-ARM)
- Brisbane <> Wollongong (BNE-WOL)
- Sydney <> Narrabri (SYD-NAA)
- Sydney <> Inverell (BNE-IVR)
- Melbourne <> Dubbo (MEL-DBO)
- Melbourne <> Orange (MEL-OAG)
- Melbourne <> Wollongong (MEL-WOL)
- Canberra <> Hobart (CBR-HBA)
- Canberra <> Newcastle (CBR-NTL).