Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia ink strategic partnership

Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways have announced a new strategic partnership that will significantly expand both airlines’ networks, lounges and loyalty programmes. The partnership agreement was announced at the start of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and will enable Qatar Airways’ passengers to travel seamlessly to 35 destinations on Virgin Australia's domestic network on a single booking. Virgin Australia passengers will be able to access Qatar Airways’ global route network of over 140 destinations, including the Middle East, Europe and Africa, via the airline’s hub at Hamad International in Doha. SEE the podcast: Flight Safety Detectives dissect the Netflix doco “Downfall”. READ: Boeing will bounce back says world’s largest leasing company READ: How the Airbus A350 went from defeat to victory READ: Can the giant AN-225 fly again? The alliance greatly enhances Virgin Australia’s global reach beyond that offered by its partnership with Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways. 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 Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker said: “We have a strong, long-standing relationship with Australia and this agreement with Virgin Australia comes at a time when it is needed the most. “This partnership will give Australian passengers access to the world that they have so acutely missed these past two years, to be able to reconnect with family and friends and keep the wheels of trade moving. We hope many of them will stopover in Doha to enjoy the wonderful tourism industry that Qatar has to offer. Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer Jayne Hrdlicka said: “Today is more great news for Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer members. We are incredibly focused on creating great travel experiences and our new partnership with Qatar Airways will significantly expand Virgin Australia’s footprint into the Middle East, Europe and Africa, offering hundreds more ways our guests can seamlessly see the world.” Interestingly Qatar Airways is also a member of the Oneworld Alliance which includes Qantas.