Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways are taking their existing partnership to the next level with the announcement that the Middle East carrier intends to acquire a minority stake in the Aussie airline. If successfully concluded, the deal will see Virgin Australia operate widebody jets once again and offer more connecting options to Australian travelers to several global destinations, among other benefits. Qatar Airways interested in 25% stake in Virgin Australia Virgin Australia has announced that Qatar Airways wants to acquire a minority 25% equity stake in the Australian carrier to strengthen their existing partnership further.
The two airlines came together in 2022 by launching a codeshare agreement that offered passengers access to both airlines’ networks, lounges, and loyalty programs. Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka commented, “This partnership brings the missing piece to Virgin Australia’s longer-term strategy and is a huge vote of confidence in Australian aviation. Importantly, it will further strengthen Virgin Australia’s ability to compete over the long term, which will inevitably translate into more choice and even better value airfares for consumers as well as additional Australian aviation jobs.
” Gradual re-entry into widebody flights A significant development from this deal would be the re-introduction of widebody planes into Virgin Australia’s fleet, albeit through a wet lease arrangement. The Qatar Airways Group is interested in bringing m.
