Virgin Australia is linking up with Link Airways to increase the airline's footprint in regional Australia by approximately 45 per cent.

Seventeen new regional codeshare services operated by Link Airways, the equivalent of 90 flights per week, will be added to Virgin Australia’s domestic network under the partnership. The flights will go on sale today through Virgin Australia’s travel agency partners and will be available to book directly on the Virgin Australia website from March.

The partnership will also bring added benefits to Velocity Frequent Flyer’s almost 12 million members who will now be able to earn both Points and Status Credits on Virgin Australia codeshare services operated by Link Airways to some of the most important regional centres in the country. Velocity Platinum, Gold and Silver members will also earn bonus Points and receive an additional baggage allowance when travelling on any Virgin Australia codeshare service operated by Link Airways. Eligible Velocity members can also access Virgin Australia lounges when travelling on these Virgin Australia codeshare services.

The airline's customers will now be able to travel seamlessly for the first time to 42 Australian destinations on a single booking (with through check-in and baggage transfer), including destinations such as Inverell, Wollongong and Biloela, which are not serviced by any other major airline.

New regional routes available as Virgin Australia codeshare (in both directions):

• Brisbane <> Coffs Harbour (BNE-CFS)
• Brisbane <> Bundaberg (BNE-BDB)
• Brisbane <> Biloela (BNE-ZBL)
• Brisbane <> Inverell (BNE-IVR)
• Brisbane <> Narrabri (BNE-NAA)
• Brisbane <> Dubbo (BNE-DBO)
• Brisbane <> Orange (BNE-OAG)
• Brisbane <> Tamworth (BNE-TMW)
• Brisbane <> Armidale (BNE-ARM)
• Brisbane <> Wollongong (BNE-WOL)
• Sydney <> Narrabri (SYD-NAA)
• Sydney <> Inverell (BNE-IVR)
• Melbourne <> Dubbo (MEL-DBO)
• Melbourne <> Orange (MEL-OAG)
• Melbourne <> Wollongong (MEL-WOL)
• Canberra <> Hobart (CBR-HBA)
• Canberra <> Newcastle (CBR-NTL).

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Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley said; “Today’s announcement in partnership with Link Airways underscores our commitment to delivering great value, flexibility and choice to Australians, and boosting connections for customers living in regional Australia.”

“Importantly, the partnership is also set to support regional trade and tourism in destinations like Inverell, Wollongong and Biloela, which are not currently serviced by any other major airline.

“Together, our networks will be operating up to 365 daily flights across Australia, offering 42 domestic destinations for guests to explore, all while ensuring guests can enjoy seamless connectivity and loyalty benefits under our award-winning Velocity Frequent Flyer program when they travel.”

Link Airways Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Major said; “Link Airways is very pleased to join Virgin Australia in announcing this codeshare agreement which will provide significant additional travel opportunities to passengers Australia-wide, particularly those in regional areas. Benefits will include better connectivity and more choice for regional customers thanks to Virgin Australia’s expansive route network.”