Virgin Australia’s major, new move with ‘world’s best airline’

Virgin Australia has just revealed its new partnership with a major airline in a move that means more perks and double airline points for passengers.

Qatar Airways has joined forces with an Aussie carrier in a big, new move.

The airline, voted the ‘world’s best’, has forged a new partnership with Virgin Australia, which means passengers will benefit from a bunch of perks including double airline points, lounge access and priority boarding and check-in.

Flights to more than 150 destinations can be booked as of today, with Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, describing it as an “incredibly exciting day”.

“We are continuing to deliver on our promise to grow our international network, and from today, our guests will have direct access to over 150 destinations worldwide on the Qatar Airways’ network, including more access to the Middle East, Europe and Africa than we have ever offered in the history of our airline,” Ms Hrdlicka said in a statement.

Love news? Stream 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >

Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways join forces in ‘new strategic partnership’. Picture: Mark Stewart

What are the perks

Members of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club will earn double Avios points when booking and travelling on any Virgin Australia flight up until December 5, 2022.

Meanwhile, Virgin’s Velocity members will also benefit from discounted fares on any booking made on Qatar Airways’ website form now until October 12, 2022, for journeys up until March 31.

“Passengers will benefit from the award-winning facilities of our hub at Hamad International Airport, recently voted the World’s Best Airport for two consecutive years, to create a comfortable journey. It also opens up Australia to our passengers flying in on Qatar Airways flights, after such a long, difficult time,” Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker said in a statement.

Qatar Airlines was named the ‘world’s best airline’ for 2022 by AirlineRatings.com and nabbed the same title last year by Skytrax

The perks don’t stop there for Velocity members who will also have access to Qatar Airways’ lounges along with priority check-in and boarding and additional baggage allowances.

“For our more than 10.8 million Velocity members, they’ll now be able to earn and redeem Velocity Points to over 500 destinations globally when travelling with Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways and our long list of renowned international airline partners,” Ms Hrdlicka said.

The new collab means members will benefit from a bunch of perks including double airline points and lounge access. Pictured is Virgin lounge at Adelaide Airport. Picture: Virgin Australia

Business travel offering to launch soon

Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways stated they will work together on a new business travel venture, providing more choice and value for business flyers travelling between Australia, the Middle East and Europe.

Etihad and Virgin Australia

Etihad will still remain Virgin’s partner, despite the new Qatar alliance, with Gulf rivals to stand shoulder to shoulder on Virgin Australia’s roster of international partners.

“Etihad and Virgin Australia’s partnership remains strong and continues to provide value to Australian travellers, as well as Virgin Velocity and Etihad Guest members,” a spokesman for the Abu Dhabi-based airline told Executive Traveller.

“There will be no changes for Etihad Guest or Velocity members, who will continue to enjoy aligned reciprocal tier benefits and lounge access globally.”