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Virgin Australia is set to re-enter the international travel market through a partnership with Qatar Airways. The collaboration will enable Virgin Australia to offer flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha starting in June 2025, with Melbourne joining later that year. This move marks a significant step for Virgin Australia since its financial difficulties in April 2020 and subsequent restructuring as a mid-market domestic and short-haul international airline.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted interim authorization for up to 28 weekly flights between Australia and Doha under a wet lease arrangement with Qatar Airways. This authorization allows both airlines time to market the new services while providing consumer protection if the flights do not proceed as planned.
Virgin Australia's CEO Jayne Hrdlicka described the partnership as "a game-changer that will drive benefits to consumers, the economy and Australian aviation." She emphasized that this initiative is crucial for Virgin Australia's long-term strategy, enhancing competitiveness and growth within the industry.
