Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways have sealed a strategic partnership that will expand both airlines’ networks, lounges and loyalty programs.
First announced in May 2022, the partnership opens both carriers to over 150 destinations between Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Seats on flights can already be booked on both airlines’ websites for travel beginning September 12, 2022.
Members of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club will be able to earn Avios and QPoints on flights operated by Virgin Australia, and Velocity Frequent Flier members can earn Velocity Points and Status Credits for flights operated by Qatar Airways.
Reward seats are also available to book on eligible services operated by both airlines. From September 12, 2022, eligible members of both loyalty programs will also receive additional tier benefits, including priority check-in, priority boarding, and lounge access regardless of their class of travel.
“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,” Qatar Airways group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker said.
Virgin Australia group chief executive officer, Jayne Hrdlicka, said: “Today is an incredibly exciting day for Virgin Australia and our loyal Velocity Frequent Flier members with Qatar Airways officially joining the Virgin Australia family.”
Hrdlicka continued: “For our more than 10.8 million Velocity members, they’ll now be able to earn and redeem Velocity Points to over 500 destinations globally when traveling with Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways and our long list of renowned international airline partners. Eligible Velocity members will also receive a host of premium benefits when traveling with Qatar Airways, including access to lounge access and priority check-in and boarding.”
“It’s a fantastic partnership and we are proud to be joining forces with Qatar Airways,” Hrdlicka added.
