Virgin Australia has announced a reciprocal codeshare and frequent flyer agreement with airberlin, Germany’s second largest airline.

Available for sale today for travel from August 1st 2013, subject to government approval, Virgin Australia will codeshare on airberlin’s daily direct services from Abu Dhabi to Dusseldorf and Berlin.

airberlin will also codeshare on Virgin Australia’s Abu Dhabi to Sydney service, its Phuket to Perth service and on nine of its domestic services within Australia.

As part of the new agreement, members of Virgin Australia’s loyalty program Velocity Frequent Flyer and airberlin’s topbonus program will receive reciprocal benefits, with the ability to earn and redeem Points or miles, regardless of which airline is operating the flight.

Virgin Australia chief commercial officer, Judith Crompton said: “We are delighted to announce a new codeshare agreement with airberlin, further strengthening our virtual network in Europe.

“Under the agreement, our customers will be able to travel seamlessly to Dusseldorf and Berlin and beyond from Australia.

“The agreement also means that, for the first time, members of Velocity will be able to earn Points and Status Credits on airberlin codeshare flights marketed by Virgin Australia and have access to selected airberlin lounges and exclusive waiting areas.

“We will continue to work with our partners to provide an expanded network for our customers and offer more opportunities to be rewarded and recognised through our Velocity Frequent Flyer Program”, Crompton said.

Abu Dhabi based carried Etihad Airways, which owns ten per cent of Virgin Australia and nearly 30 per cent of airberlin was a key player behind the latest deal.