Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways have received the final approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that will allow the two carriers to enter into an integrated alliance.
The alliance will give Virgin Australia the access to Qatar Airways’ global network and renowned expertise that will eventually bring the Australian carrier back into the long-haul market.
Qatar Airways will also have access to Virgin Australia’s extensive domestic network, providing passengers with greater choice as well as drive competition within Australian aviation.
Qatar’s flag carrier in February had already been green-lit by the Australian government to proceed with a 25% stake acquisition of the Australian carrier.
It was only a matter of waiting for the ACCC’s final approval for the increased partnership to go ahead.
With the alliance now approved, Virgin Australia’s relaunch of long-haul flights is set to begin from June 2025 using wet-leased aircraft from Qatar Airways.
Sydney, Brisbane and Perth will be the first cities to enter Virgin Australia’s new long-haul network connecting to Qatar Airways’ main hub of Doha, with Melbourne to follow up in December.
Dave Emerson, Virgin Australia’s newly appointed CEO, said that the new alliance is a “defining moment” for the airline and the Australian aviation landscape.
“Already, we are seeing some of the positive benefits of the partnership, including increased sale activity on airfares between Australia and Europe, the Middle East and Africa thanks to increased competition,” he said.
Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said that the ACCC’s approval signals Australia’s appetite for greater competition and providing better services and value to Australian passengers.
He emphasises the collective commitment to supporting Australian businesses, jobs and the wider economy of the country.
The partnership between the two carriers is expected to significantly boost Australian tourism and generate an estimated A$3bn in economic value over the next five years.
Virgin Australia CEO Emerson also added that having Qatar Airways as a part owner reflects a huge vote of confidence in the Australian carrier’s business.
It signifies a continued upward trajectory for the Australian carrier following its post-Covid restructuring.
