Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have unveiled a new strategic partnership that will significantly expand both airlines’ networks, lounges and loyalty programmes.
The airlines say the new partnership, to commence later this year, will give travellers greater access, unparalleled customer experience and unique benefits when travelling between Australia and Qatar Airways’ global network.
The strategic alliance is set to provide a critical trade and tourism boost for Australia, while opening a world of new travel opportunities for both airlines’ customers.
The partnership agreement was announced at the start of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
Qatar Airways currently operates daily flights into Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth as well as three weekly flights into Adelaide continuing into Auckland, New Zealand.
Thanks to the new codeshare agreement, Qatar Airways’ passengers will be able to travel seamlessly to 35 destinations on Virgin Australia’s extensive domestic network, including key popular Australian tourist destinations, such as Cairns, Gold Coast, Alice Springs and Broome, on a single booking.
Qatar Airways’ passengers will also have access to Virgin Australia’s recently relaunched short-haul international markets, including Fiji and Queenstown, New Zealand.
Similarly, Virgin Australia customers and members of the airline’s Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program will be able to directly access Qatar Airways’ route network of over 140 worldwide destinations, including the Middle East, Europe and Africa, via the airline’s hub and Skytrax-rated ‘World’s Best Airport’, Hamad International in Doha.
The strategic partnership will also include reciprocal loyalty benefits allowing Qatar Airways Privilege Club members to earn and redeem Avios when flying on Virgin Australia, with similar benefits for Velocity members when travelling on Qatar Airways’ services.
“Qatar Airways has been a very important partner to Australia during the pandemic, maintaining vital connectivity to the world in difficult circumstances,” said Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer.
“We are proud to have Qatar Airways join the Virgin Australia family and we look forward to welcoming their guests onboard Virgin Australia services later this year.”
For more information visit www.qatarairways.com and www.virginaustralia.com