This Month
- Updated
- Aviation
Etihad rips up Virgin frequent flier partnership after Qatar deal
The Bain Capital-backed airline has told the ACCC that it will retain alliance arrangements with Singapore Airlines despite its new major shareholder.
- Updated
- Fiona Carruthers and Ayesha de Kretser
The mantra that keeps this CEO ahead of the game
Former Virgin CEO Paul Scurrah reveals how he avoids distractions, what he has learnt from the collapse of two airlines and why he doesn’t eat until midday.
- Sally Patten and Martin Peralta
- Analysis
- Aviation
There are plenty of dangers for Qantas in Virgin’s Qatar tie-up
The flying kangaroo says it welcomes competition – except from the Gulf airline – as investors fear the deal could cause havoc with its international division.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Airlines bristle at $20k fines for cancelling flights
A Senate inquiry is considering an overhaul of how landing slots are managed at Australia’s busiest airport.
- Andrew Tillett
Petro Australis Energy books non-deal roadshow for 2025 IPO
Petro Australis’s IPO preps come after the company raised $24 million by selling 25 per cent at an $84 million post-money valuation in June.
- Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport
Virgin-Qatar tie-up could break Qantas’ grip on Canberra
Canberra Airport says the combination of Virgin and Qatar would help to end politicians’ preference for flying Qantas.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Airports say don’t cut Singapore Airlines out of Virgin-Qatar tie-up
The Australian Airports Association has warned the ACCC that passengers will lose a crucial route to Europe if the Qatar-Virgin tie-up is approved in the proposed format.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Why free upgrades are a thing of the past (except for politicians)
Feel like a complimentary leg-up into business class is no longer a thing despite your Platinum status? You’re not alone.
- Fiona Carruthers
October
Qantas sues former captain accused of spying for Virgin
A senior pilot accused of downloading sensitive information has been ordered to hand back documents before starting work for the rival airline.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Virgin rewards big spenders with frequent flyer revamp
The airline hopes the changes will increase the use of points and keep passengers loyal, with higher tiers matching Qantas’ higher-end offerings.
- Ayesha de Kretser
MPs, staff favouring Qantas despite ‘best possible price’ rule
More than 90 per cent of air travel booked by parliamentarians and their offices were on the carrier and its low-cost subsidiary, the highest level in a decade.
- Ayesha de Kretser
ASX hits record; PM buys $4.3m coastal home; Markets’ hottest theme
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
Bain Capital’s Virgin Australia payday soars beyond $1b
Accounts filed by the airline show the private equity giant secured a bumper dividend from the carrier for a second year in a row as earnings continued to grow.
- Ayesha de Kretser
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Virgin earnings provide fresh clues on what the airline is worth
The airline’s results suggest Jayne Hrdlicka has taken advantage of Qantas’ distraction.
- James Thomson
Virgin Australia says earnings jump 18pc as overhaul takes hold
The result compares with a fall at its larger rival Qantas for the year. The airline says this is its second yearly profit in a row after more than a decade of deficits.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Air travellers should reap rewards from Sydney Airport revamp
The Labor government will finally introduce changes to how Sydney Airport operates on Wednesday.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Market’s war footing | Virgin v Qantas fight | RBA’s hush-hush problem
This week, James Thomson and editor-in-chief James Chessell dig into what the Middle East conflict means for markets, examine Virgin’s deal with Qatar, and ask whether the RBA should be meeting with banks and investors behind closed doors.
Do you know this week’s news? Answer these 10 questions
Have you been paying attention this week? Test your knowledge across politics, business and world news.
- Daniel Arbon
Qatar rebalances the scales in a long game of revenge against Qantas
A decade long drama between the Gulf carrier and the national carrier ultimately led to the blockbuster Virgin Australia deal, shaking up the aviation sector.
- Ayesha de Kretser
- Updated
- Aviation
Qatar Airways to buy 25pc of Virgin Australia, funding big expansion
The deal with Bain Capital will allow the Gulf carrier to effectively bypass government approvals for more flights, creating a formidable rival for Qantas.
- Updated
- Ayesha de Kretser