Virgin and Qantas to launch limited network for Australian government.

Virgin Australia, Qantas and the Australian Government have struck an A$165 million deal to resume limited underwritten flying operations to transport passengers and keep important freight corridors open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The schedules will commence tomorrow and run for a period of eight weeks, until June 7, 2020. Flights will progressively go on sale from today. The minimal domestic schedule will enable Virgin Australia and Qantas to reinstate some of their stood down flight, cabin and ground crew, along with other operational team members. The minimal domestic schedule is in addition to the international repatriation flights that both airlines are flying at the request of the Australian Government. Virgin Australia and Qantas continue to transport cargo internationally and domestically and provide charter services to its resources and ad-hoc clients. From tomorrow, Virgin Australia will operate 64 return services each week and Qantas 164. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said sustaining Australia’s aviation industry is critical to protecting livelihoods and saving lives and that’s why the Government has acted again today to provide further support. “As Australians are asked to stay home unless absolutely necessary, we are ensuring secure and affordable access for passengers who need to travel, including our essential workers such as frontline medical personnel and defence personnel, as well as supporting the movement of essential freight such as critical medicine and personal protective equipment,” Mr McCormack said. “We know that a strong domestic aviation network is critical to Australia’s success and today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment, yet again, to maintaining connectivity during this pandemic. “This investment will also help Australians returning from overseas, who find themselves in a different city after 14 days of mandatory quarantine, complete their journey home safely.” This announcement complements the actions the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has already taken to underwrite international flights to help Australians get home, as well as flights to our regional and remote communities through the $198 million Regional Airlines Network Support program announced on 28 March.