‘Opening the world’: Virgin Australia launches landmark deal with Qatar Airways

Virgin Australia’s first flight to Doha left Sydney Airport on Thursday with the airline’s landmark deal with Qatar helping drive lower airfares.

Virgin Australia has taken off with a resumed long-haul flight from Sydney to Doha in a new partnership with Qatar Airways.

The long haul flights resumed from Sydney International Airport on Thursday, marking the start of a ”wet lease” arrangement, which will connect Australians with more than 170 destinations through Qatar’s global network, including Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Flights from Brisbane will commence on June 19, followed by Perth on June 26 and Melbourne in December, growing the capacity of seats from Australia to Doha to about 2.65 million per year.

The new partnership will also bring approximately $3bn in economic activity to the country over the span of five years, driven by an “anticipated surge” in international visitors and an increase in tourist spending.

Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have partnered in a new alliance. Picture: Supplied

Passengers on the new flight route will travel on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft, complete with “spacious economy cabins” and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi available on-board.

Virgin Australia chief executive Dave Emerson said the new partnership would help create “one of the most comprehensive travel networks available to Australians today”.

“Virgin Australia’s new services offer our customers enhanced connectivity, incredible choice and seamless access to over 170 destinations worldwide,” he said.

“By December, 2025, we will increase the capacity of flights from Australia to Doha by over 2.6 million seats, increasing competition, which ultimately should be better value for international travel.”

Customers will fly on Qatar’s aircraft during the long haul flights. Picture: Supplied

In celebration, the Australian airline has dropped “celebration fares” for select international flights following a new landmark deal which will connect Aussies with more than 170 international destinations.

Virgin’s select fares to Doha and destinations in Europe slashed by up to 15 per cent.

The reduced fares are for select dates between October 16 and March 31.

The sale will last until June 30, or until sold out.

Mr Emerson said the new Sydney-Doha service offered “enhanced connectivity” and “incredible choice”.

“On board Virgin Australia’s new flights to Doha, guests can expect a world class experience on board the award-winning Qatar Airways Boeing 777,” Mr Emerson said.

“These aircraft feature elevated service, premium amenities, the renowned Q suite’s business class, spacious economy cabins, and high speed StarLink Wi-Fi free for all guests.”

Virgin Australia has announced a landmark deal with Qatar Airways. Picture: Supplied/James D. Morgan/Getty Images.

The deal will connect Aussies with more than 170 destinations. Picture: Supplied/James D. Morgan/Getty Images.

Frequent Flyer Members are set to get 50 per cent bonus Status Credits for flights between Australia and Doha on bookings made up until the end of June for travel between October 1 and May 27.

Platinum members will also receive 100 per cent bonus points on eligible flights, followed by 75 per cent for Gold members and 50 per cent for Silver members.

Virgin Australia has dropped ‘celebration fares’ following the announcement. Picture: Supplied/James D. Morgan/Getty Images.

Select international fares have been slashed following the deal. Picture: Supplied/James D. Morgan/Getty Images.

Hundreds of new jobs are also projected following the deal, while secondment opportunities for pilots and cabin crew are also expected.

Mr Emerson said the deal marked the “beginning of a new era” for the company, and international travel.

“Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we’re not just launching a new route — we’re opening the world to millions of Australians, delivering more choice, better value and a seamless global experience,” Mr Emerson said.

“This partnership strengthens Australia’s global connectivity while generating jobs, boosting tourism and injecting billions into the national economy.”

Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said the milestone was reached after months of “meticulous planning and tireless dedication”.

Corporate Traveller global managing director Tom Walley said the partnership would result in boosting Australia’s local visitor economy and would make an added contribution to corporate travel recovery.

“The commencement of these flights has been a while in the works, and now that they’re operating, we’d expect it to stimulate demand by offering short-term bargains that other carriers will look to compete with,” Mr Walley said.

“It brings more choice, better international travel pricing, and opens Australia up to a world class offering – particularly for connections through to London.

“It’s likely we’ll see competitor carriers push hard to maintain their market share by bolstering their services and sharpening their prices.”

Originally published as ‘Opening the world’: Virgin Australia launches landmark deal with Qatar Airways