Virgin Australia has tripled its number of reward seats on flights to Doha from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, following its partnership with Qatar Airways.
Members of its Velocity frequent flyer program will also be able to redeem three times the number of loyalty points on these flights.
“We know this is a big investment Virgin Australia is making to support its new flights for the European Summer. We also know this will drive greater member engagement with our program and for our partners which is the key to continued growth and success of our Velocity program,” said Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Nick Rohrlach.
Flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha will launch in June 2025.
The increased number of reward seats will be available in both Business and Economy classes. The promotion does not apply to flights between Melbourne and Doha, which will begin in December.
The additional reward seats will be available to book from today for flights up to 10 December.
Virgin Australia first said Qatar Airways would acquire a 25% equity stake in the airline in October, as well as becoming its new exclusive booking and loyalty partner in the Middle East. The ACCC granted Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways interim authorisation for the partnership in November, with a final decision due in February.
“Through this partnership Virgin Australia becomes stronger, improving our ability to compete domestically – which is great news for Virgin Australia, our people and consumers,” said Virgin Australia CEO Jane Hrdlicka last month. “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.”
The Australian Airports Association, Australia’s main airport industry body, backed the partnership in a submission to the International Air Services Commission last week.
