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Qatar Airways CEO: Virgin Australia partnership a 'huge boost' for Australian aviation

Qatar Airways CEO: Virgin Australia partnership a 'huge boost' for Australian aviation
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Virgin-Qatar Partnership | Qatar Airways Newsroom

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.

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Virgin Australia will resume long-haul international flights to Doha starting in June 2025, pending approval from the International Air Services Commission. According to the Qatar Airways Press Release, flights will operate from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, with Melbourne flights commencing in December. The expanded network aims to increase competition and lower airfares.

The partnership is expected to generate $3 billion in economic value for the Australian tourism sector over the next five years. The alliance will enable seamless connections to over 100 destinations through Qatar Airways' global network, enhancing travel options to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Virgin Australia employees have shown high interest in secondment opportunities with Qatar Airways. The partnership will provide new job growth and career advancement, with seconded staff opening up promotional opportunities for other team members within Virgin Australia.

Qatar Airways was founded in 1993 as a state-owned flag carrier of Qatar and operates a global network of over 170 destinations. According to their website, the airline has won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ award from Skytrax eight times and is recognized for its service excellence and innovation.

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