Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said that the airline's investment in Virgin Australia is a "huge boost" for Australian aviation, competition, and consumer choice. Al-Meer made the statement in a press release issued on February 27.
"This latest development is a significant step towards solidifying the strong and enduring relationship that continues to evolve between Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia," said Mohammed Al-Meer. "It is also a huge boost to our shared ambition to create even greater choice and value for all Australian passengers, with healthy competition and world-class service at the very core of our collective offering. We are confident in our ability to deliver an alliance between our two airlines that will provide immense benefit to customers, Australian businesses, Australian jobs, and the wider economy."
The Australian Government has approved Qatar Airways Group’s 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia, allowing the two airlines to expand their strategic partnership. The investment received clearance from the Foreign Investment Review Board and follows an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) draft determination supporting the alliance, with final approval expected in March or April.