Australian travellers are set to benefit after a deeper strategic partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways Group was given the green light by the Australian Government. Qatar Airways Group’s minority 25 per cent investment in Virgin Australia has now received Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval following the Federal Treasurer’s announcement today. This follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Draft Determination on 18 February indicating its intention to authorise the airlines’ integrated alliance, with final approval expected in March/April 2025. Together, they help open the door to the airline’s return to long-haul international flying.

Virgin Australia has placed a firm order with Embraer for eight E190-E2 small narrowbody aircraft, as part of its fleet renewal plan. The order will see the E190-E2, the world’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft with the lowest noise emissions, complement the airline’s larger narrow bodies and replace its long-serving Fokker fleet. The order will be reflected in Embraer’s Q3 backlog and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025.

New agreement includes an expansive codeshare agreement and unparalleled loyalty partnership benefits offering Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways passengers unique rewards and seamless travel across both carriers’ networks. Increased travel options and benefits across 35 destinations in Australia for Qatar Airways passengers and to more than 140 destinations worldwide for Virgin Australia passengers

Sabre will continue to distribute Virgin Australia flights and services through the Sabre GDS marketplace, ensuring that Sabre-connected agencies will continue to have access to flights.