Virgin’s ‘game-changing’ move for passengers

Virgin Australia has made a huge announcement with its partner Qatar Airways that will benefit passengers heading to a specific destination.

Virgin Australia has tripled the number of reward seats in celebration of its new service.

The Aussie carrier has largely been out of the international market for four and a half years, but since partnering with Qatar Airways late last year, it will now crack the Middle Eastern and European markets.

Velocity Frequent Flyer members who book flights between Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Qatar’s capital of Doha between June 12 and December 10, 2025, will have access to even more rewards seats.

The Aussie carrier described it as a “game-changing” move that addresses the “soaring consumer demand” for redemption seats, with 97 per cent of Velocity members rating Reward Seats as their most valued way to redeem points.

Virgin Australia triples reward seats between Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Doha.

Passengers will fly aboard Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft from Australia with the offer available across both cabins.

Members can redeem points for Reward Seats with one-way economy Reward Seats amounting to 42,000 points from Perth to Doha, while Sydney/Brisbane to Doha is 56,000 points – plus fees, taxes, and carrier charges.

Those travelling one-way on business can redeem 89,500 points from Perth to Doha and

119,500 points from Sydney/Brisbane to Doha.

Passengers will fly aboard Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft from Australia. Picture: Louai Beshara/AFP

“Whether it’s a bucket-list trip to Europe or a dream holiday in the Middle East, there’s never been a better time to be a Velocity Frequent Flyer,” Nick Rohrlach, CEO of Velocity Frequent Flyer, said.

“Business Class travellers will fly the luxurious Qsuite Business Class and all travellers will be provided complimentary access to Starlink, the world’s first ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet offered in-flight,” he said.

Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Virgin Australia, joins crew from both Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways on-board a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 at Brisbane Airport in December 2024. Picture: James D. Morgan/Getty Images

“They’ll also get seamless connections through one of the world’s best airports, Hamad International Airport.

“We know this is a big investment Virgin Australia is making to support its new flights for the European Summer. We also know this will drive greater member engagement with our program and for our partners which is the key to continued growth and success of our Velocity program.”

Meanwhile, services between Melbourne and Doha will launch from December 2025.

The points offer comes as Virgin and Qatar Airways entered into a partnership last year Aussies now able to book international flights to more than 100 destinations.

Virgin Australia chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka told NewsWire the new partnership was targeting the peak European summer and would offer travellers cheaper long-haul flights.

“The partnership between Qatar and Virgin Australia is going to bring much-needed competition, especially flying to Europe,” she said.

“Competition is great for everyone. The more opportunities and choices consumers have the harder everyone has to work.”