Virgin rolls out ticket sales for Doha

The flights will use Qatar’s 777-300ER aircraft fitted with its new Qsuite business class offering. According to Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Virgin Australia, the partnership will benefit consumers and the broader economy in addition to Australia’s aviation industry.

“This is a huge win for Australian travellers which brings more value and choice for passengers wanting to fly internationally. Through this partnership Virgin Australia becomes stronger, improving our ability to compete domestically – which is great news for Virgin Australia, our people and consumers,” she said.

“For Virgin Australia this gives us the ability to start long haul flying, which we have not been able to do over the past four and a half years.

“Our 28 new weekly services to Doha will open up a world of opportunity for those wanting to travel overseas, with more passengers able to connect to over 100 destinations around the world on Qatar’s network.”

Among other economic benefits, the flights will benefit small businesses, including the agricultural sector, that are seeking to sell their products in the Middle East, said Hrdlicka.

“The services sector will benefit from the additional $3 billion in economic value that will be delivered over the next five years from the increased inbound visitors, which means more jobs and more opportunities for the travel and tourism industry,” she said.

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“This also creates the potential for more jobs and promotional opportunities for our Virgin Australia team as we increase domestic flying to accommodate passengers connecting from an expanded international network.

“This partnership is a critical piece in Virgin Australia’s long-term strategy and a huge vote of confidence in Australian aviation, further strengthening Virgin Australia’s long-term competitiveness and growth of the aviation industry in Australia.”

The ACCC last month gave Virgin and Qatar interim approval to begin selling tickets on the flights, which are still subject to regulatory approval. ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh has said customers who book the services will be protected if the tie-up is knocked back.

”We consider that granting interim authorisation now will allow Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia the lead time to undertake the necessary planning discussions, marketing, selling and system alignment in preparation for Virgin Australia to commence flying the new services by June 2025,” Keogh said.

“Affected customers will be given the option of a refund or re-accommodation on a suitable alternative flight at no additional charge, and would not be out of pocket for any reasonably foreseeable costs, if these proposed new services ultimately don’t get approved.

“Having this court-enforceable undertaking that protects customers was important to our decision to allow Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to start selling tickets now.”