Virgin Airlines and new partner Qatar Airways to begin taking bookings

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Virgin Airlines and new partner Qatar Airways to begin taking bookings

Australians will be able to book international flights to more than 100 destinations with Virgin Airlines under its new partnership with Qatar Airways from Thursday.

It’s the next step in a major shake-up of international travel for Australians, with more competition to become available for flights to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Virgin, which has largely been out of the international market for four and a half years, is global travel as part of the Qatar Airways partnership, which is still to be given final approvals.

But it is allowed to take bookings from Thursday for new services to fly directly from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha for travel from June next year. Melbourne will start

later in 2025.

Camera IconVirgin chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka said the Qatar partnerships is a game changer for Australians travelling internationally. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall Credit: News Corp AustraliaCamera IconVirgin Australia has been largely out of the international market since it was sold following its collapse in 2020. Picture / Supplied Credit: Supplied

Virgin Australia Group chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka said the partnership with Qatar Airways was a game-changer, “driving benefits to consumers, the economy and *********** aviation”.

“Partnering with Qatar Airways means we’re delivering the gold standard in global travel –

seamless connections and world-class service – and increasing market competition to provide

better value and fares,” Ms Hrdlicka said.

“Exploring the world has never been more accessible.

“This is a huge win for *********** travellers which brings more value and choice for passengers wanting to fly internationally.

“Through this partnership Virgin Australia becomes stronger, improving our ability to compete domestically – which is great news for Virgin Australia, our people and consumers.”

The flights will be operated by Virgin Australia using Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777s, renowned for their Qsuite business class.

“This partnership is a critical piece in Virgin Australia’s long-term strategy and a huge vote of

confidence in *********** aviation, further strengthening Virgin Australia’s long-term

competitiveness and growth of the aviation industry in Australia.”

Camera IconVirgin Australia is expected to begin operating international services for the first time in nearly five years from next June in the Qatar partnership gets regulatory approval. NewsWire / Tertius Pickard Credit: News Corp Australia

Virgin does not currently fly to Doha or Europe and has limited international operations since its collapse in 2020.

After Bain Capital purchased the airline, it axed loss-making long-haul services such as to Los Angeles.

Qatar has proposed taking a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia and providing a five-year “wet lease” agreement.

The proposed partnership between Qatar and Virgin is still be given the final OK, but the *********** Consumer and Competition Commission has given preliminary approval allowing the airlines to start taking bookings.

“We consider that granting interim authorisation now will allow Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia the lead time to undertake the necessary planning discussions, marketing, selling and system alignment in preparation for Virgin Australia to commence flying the new services by June 2025,” ACCC Deputy Chair Keogh said.

The new services will be offered subject to final regulatory approval by the ACCC and other government bodies.

Camera IconVirgin Australia has teamed up with Qatar Airways to increase travel options and loyalty benefits for passengers of both airlines. Virgin Australia. Credit: Supplied

Travellers booking these flights now will be fully protected with options for either refunds or reaccommodation on suitable alternative flights and reimbursement for reasonably foreseeable costs if the new services aren’t able to go ahead as planned.

Virgin is offering special launch fares for the June flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth via Doha to multiple European destinations.

Economy flights from:

* Perth to Paris Economy Choice return from $1791

* Sydney to London Economy Choice return from $1982

* Brisbane to Rome Economy Choice return from $1945

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