In an event at Brisbane Airport, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have officially announced a new strategic partnership that will substantially expand the networks and frequent flyer program of both airlines, which offers more benefits and new destinations to those who fly between these two airlines.
The news about the partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia was initially announced in May 2022. But the in-depth details were not revealed back then.
Booking Goes Live between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia
As of next Monday, September 12, 2022, passengers are now able to book both flights on each website. Now Virgin Australia websites will allow Qatar Airways booking to over 150 destinations worldwide and on the Qatar Airways website, destinations served by Virgin Australia can be booked.
Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia Partnership Promotions
Both Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia launched a promotion offering double Avios and many new benefits. I will cover the promotional offers in a separate post.
As of today, Virgin Australia Velocity members can earn and redeem points as well as get tier benefits in 61 cities operated by Qatar Airways.
Business Travel Offering to Launch Soon
Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia are also planning to launch a market-leading proposition for the business traveler which offers advantages for business flyers traveling between Australia, the Middle East and Europe.
In a statement, Qatar Airways CEO Mr. Al Baker said:
“Unlike other airlines, we were determined to keep flying to and from Australia during COVID, get desperate people home and keep businesses connected to the world, now we have strengthened our presence even more in cooperation with our good friends at Virgin Australia.”
“This partnership will also allow Qatar Airways Privilege Club members to earn and redeem Avios when flying on Virgin Australia. Passengers will benefit from the award-winning facilities of our hub at Hamad International Airport, recently voted the World’s Best Airport for two consecutive years, to create a comfortable journey. It also opens up Australia to our passengers flying in on Qatar Airways flights, after such a long, difficult time.”
While CEO of Virgin Atlantic, Jayne Hrdlicka said:
“Today is an incredibly exciting day for Virgin Australia and our loyal Velocity Frequent Flyer members with Qatar Airways officially joining the Virgin Australia family.
“We are continuing to deliver on our promise to grow our international network, and from today, our guests will have direct access to over 150 destinations worldwide on the Qatar Airways network, including more access to the Middle East, Europe and Africa than we have ever offered in the history of our airline.
“For our more than 10.8 million Velocity members, they’ll now be able to earn and redeem Velocity Points to over 500 destinations globally when traveling with Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways and our long list of renowned international airline partners. Eligible Velocity members will also receive a host of premium benefits when traveling with Qatar Airways, including access to the lounge and priority check-in and boarding.
“The partnership will also allow Virgin Australia to show our famous hospitality and all the incredible scenery and unique experiences we have in Australia when Qatar Airways’ customers and Privilege Club members fly on our network.
“It’s a fantastic partnership and we are proud to be joining forces with Qatar Airways.”
Summary
Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have officially announced a new strategic partnership and the bookings for both airlines will be live on Monday. There are also Avios promotions and benefits offered by both airlines.
But Qatar Airways already has a codesharing agreement with Qantas so having a new partner can be unwelcoming news for Qantas. Let us see how these three airlines cooperate and co-exist.
