Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia have officially registered a strategic agreement that considerably expands the networks, lounges, and reward programmes of both airlines, providing travellers additional perks and new destinations.
The alliance, announced in May 2022, creates a new gateway for seamless travel between Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, including to major cities like London, Paris, Rome, and Rome. Flights can already be booked on the websites of each airline for travel beginning on September 12, 2022.
Privilege Club members can now earn Avios and QPoints on flights operated by Virgin Australia, while Velocity Frequent Flyer members can now earn Velocity Points and Status Credits on Qatar Airways flights. Additionally, reward seats are now bookable on eligible flights offered by both airlines. Starting today, qualifying members of both loyalty programmes will gain extra tier perks, such as priority check-in, priority boarding, and lounge access, regardless of their travel class.
The strategic collaboration is expected to give Australia and Qatar a significant commercial and tourist boost, while opening up a world of new travel choices for consumers of both airlines.
Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways conducted a launch event at Brisbane Airport today to celebrate the beginning of their cooperation. The event featured dancers from several nations that are accessible via the Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia networks.
His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group, stated, “Unlike other airlines, we were determined to keep flying to and from Australia during COVID, get desperate people home and keep businesses connected to the world, now we have strengthened our presence even more in cooperation with our good friends at Virgin Australia.”
He added that this collaboration will also permit Qatar Airways Privilege Club members to earn and redeem Avios on Virgin Australia flights. Passengers will enjoy a comfortable journey thanks to the award-winning amenities of our hub at Hamad International Airport, which was recently crowned the World’s Best Airport for two consecutive years. After such a long and difficult period, it also makes Australia accessible to our Qatar Airways passengers.
“Today is an incredibly exciting day for Virgin Australia and our loyal Velocity Frequent Flyer members with Qatar Airways officially joining the Virgin Australia family,” said Jayne Hrdlicka, the chief executive officer of the Virgin Australia Group.
“We are continuing to deliver on our promise to grow our international network, and from today, our guests will have direct access to over 150 destinations worldwide on the Qatar Airways’ network, including more access to the Middle East, Europe and Africa than we have ever offered in the history of our airline.”
He stated that more than 10.8 million Velocity members will now be able to earn and redeem Velocity Points at more than 500 destinations worldwide when flying with Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways, and the airlines extensive network of renowned international airline partners. Additionally, eligible Velocity members will receive a variety of premium advantages when flying with Qatar Airways, such as lounge access and priority check-in and boarding.”
The agreement will also allow Virgin Australia to showcase their renowned hospitality, amazing landscapes, and one-of-a-kind experiences to Qatar Airways customers and Privilege Club members flying on our network.
