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Virgin Australia’s codeshare partnership with Link Airways is officially on sale via Virgin’s website, with thousands of seats reportedly already sold through travel agencies.
The partnership, announced in January, expands Virgin’s regional footprint by around 45 per cent in the eastern states largely untouched by Perth-based Virgin Australia Regional Airways (VARA). The 17 routes involved equate to around 90 regional services per week.
“We know our customers in regional Australia want this service, having already sold thousands of seats via travel agents since we announced the partnership in January. I can confirm that Bundaberg to Brisbane return is our most popular route so far under this new partnership,” said Virgin Australia’s chief strategy and transformation officer, Alistair Hartley.
“Our guests will be able to enjoy our seamless and efficient service, earn loyalty points and enjoy the benefits under our award-winning Velocity Frequent Flyer program.
“Virgin Australia is committed to providing value for our customers and we are proud to know this agreement between us and Link Airways will go a long way to providing customers with connectivity and choice.”
Virgin and Link customers will now have access to 41 destinations around Australia using a single booking, with Link Airways’ manager of network strategy and development, Jeff Boyd, saying the carrier is looking forward to “welcoming many more new customers aboard”.
“Today’s announcement will further enhance the connectivity for people travelling to and from the amazing Australian Regional Towns and Cities that we service and provide seamless connectivity Australia-wide through the Virgin Australia’s expansive route network,” Boyd said.
Link Airways was already in a close relationship with Virgin before the deal. Link customers can earn Velocity Frequent Flyer points in eligible fare classes, and the regional carrier began operating wet-leased Sydney–Canberra services for Virgin in 2022. Velocity Frequent Flyer also partners with another regional airline, FlyPelican, which mainly serves NSW.
The routes covered by Virgin and Link’s new codeshare partnership include:
