The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued its approval of the partnership, with flights to begin from June.
ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey said the arrangement between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia that was facilitating the flights would likely put downward pressure on airfares and give passengers more choice on international flights in and out of Australia.
By the end of 2025, Virgin Australia intends to operate 28 flights per week between Australia and Qatar, including daily flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth from June and daily flights out of Melbourne from December.
The flights are being operated via a wet lease agreement with Qatar Airways, with the Middle Eastern airline to provide the aircraft and crew.
Doha, in Qatar, where Virgin Australia’s flights will arrive and depart, is a major aviation hub between Australia and Europe, meaning the additional flights will make Australia a more attractive conference and incentive destination for European groups and associations worldwide.
Virgin estimates its new flights will inject $3 billion into the Australian economy over the next five years.
“This is a defining moment for Virgin Australia and the Australian aviation landscape,” said Virgin Australia’s new CEO, Dave Emerson.
“The ACCC’s final approval of our deeper strategic partnership with Qatar Airways marks the start of a new chapter for our airline and a world of opportunities for our people and customers.
“Already, we are seeing some of the positive benefits of the partnership, including increased sale activity on airfares between Australia and Europe, the Middle East and Africa thanks to increased competition.”
The Australian Government also approved Qatar Airways taking a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia in February.
