Rumours confirmed as Middle Eastern airline buys equity in VA.
The existing partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways is about to be strengthened with the announcement that Qatar Airways Group intends to acquire a minority 25% equity stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital, subject to government approval.
VA said the expanded cooperation will enable measured entry into international flying from mid 2025, precipitating the launch of flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to Doha.
These extra flights will open up more than 100 new connecting itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Australian travellers.
The proposed wet lease services will also allow VA to assess the longer-term merits and viability of wide-body aircraft flying, while providing Australians with greater local competition for their long-haul travel needs in the near-term.
The minority stake will serve as a cornerstone investment ahead of an anticipated return of VA into public ownership, the Aussie carrier said.
More details in today’s issue of Travel Daily.