Virgin Australia is one step closer to launching long-haul international services to Europe, as the competition regulator is expected to sanction the carrier’s lease of aircraft and crew from Qatar Airways.

People close to the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity said the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission would give approval for the deal as early as Wednesday. Virgin intends to use Qatar planes and crew – an arrangement known as a wet lease – to fly to Doha from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. Those services will start by June 30.