Chanticleer

How the Virgin and Qatar deal could wedge Qantas and Labor

Bain Capital’s deal with the Gulf carrier will make it a more formidable rival to Qantas, and put pressure on a government that claims to want stronger aviation competition.

Oct 1, 2024 – 6.30am

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After months of speculation, the worst-kept secret in Australian aviation is finally official: Qatar Airways will buy a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia from the airline’s private equity owner, Bain Capital.

It is a deal that will instantly make Virgin a stronger competitor to Qantas, while heaping pressure on the Albanese government to make good on its promise of stronger competition in the aviation sector.

James Thomson is senior Chanticleer columnist based in Melbourne. He was the Companies editor and editor of BRW Magazine.