Virgin Australia Defends Qatar Alliance, Plans Long-Haul Expansion

Virgin Australia has responded to concerns about its proposed alliance with Qatar Airways, emphasizing the partnership’s potential to boost competition and benefit Australian travelers. The airline says the alliance will enhance its ability to serve core markets, such as Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, through wet-leased Qatar aircraft operating routes from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha.

Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka described the partnership as an opportunity to scale operations and better serve “value-seeker cities” with increased capacity and competitive fares. The alliance is contingent on approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and other regulators.

Critics, including Qantas, argue that the wet lease arrangement lacks a clear end date and may bypass Australian labor laws. Virgin Australia refutes these claims, stating that the wet leases will enable new routes that would otherwise not be possible. The airline also plans to gradually reintroduce its own long-haul fleet and crews over time.

The proposed alliance includes preferential direct entry pathways for Virgin crew into Qatar Airways and potential secondments, while loyalty arrangements with partners like Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic remain unchanged. However, Etihad Airways will end its partnership with Virgin Australia in mid-2025.

Virgin argues the partnership will drive down airfares, expand its network, and incentivize new long-haul services. “This is a phenomenal partnership that allows us to grow and serve Australian travelers more effectively,” Hrdlicka said.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com