Friday, August 23, 2024 Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand are poised to rekindle their trans-Tasman partnership as Australian and New Zealand regulators have given the green light to a fresh codeshare agreement between the two airlines. This renewed collaboration is expected to enhance connectivity and strengthen the travel experience for passengers across both nations. Under the newly forged agreement, Virgin Australia passengers will gain direct access to booking Air New Zealand flights to major destinations such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

This strategic enhancement will perfectly complement Virgin Australia’s existing services to Queenstown, creating a more robust and seamless travel experience for those flying between the two nations. An added benefit for Virgin Australia’s loyal Velocity members is the opportunity to earn and redeem Velocity Points on these Air New Zealand flights. This feature ensures that frequent travelers continue to enjoy the perks and rewards they’ve come to expect while exploring new destinations across the Tasman.

Furthermore, eligible members and their guests will now have the privilege of accessing lounges on both sides of the Tasman, adding an extra layer of comfort and convenience to their journeys. Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley, expressed enthusiasm about this long-anticipated partnership. He highlighted that the agreement marks a significant milestone, providing Vir.