A strategic alliance between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways has been signed, and it will help both airlines’ networks, lounges, and reward programs grow.
The alliance, which was first announced in May 2022, gives both carriers access to more than 150 destinations between Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
For the websites of both airlines, seats on flights can already be reserved for departures on September 12, 2022.
On flights run by Virgin Australia, members of Qatar Airways Privilege Club can earn Avios and QPoints, while on flights run by Qatar Airways, members of Velocity Frequent Flier can earn Velocity Points and Status Credits.
On qualified services run by both airlines, reward seats can also be reserved. Regardless of their class of travel, qualified members of both loyalty programs will start receiving extra tier perks on September 12, 2022, such as priority check-in, priority boarding, and lounge access.
“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.
