Qatar Airways Group's minority 25% investment in Virgin Australia has received Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval following the Federal Treasurer's announcement on February 27. This follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Draft Determination on February 18, indicating its intention to authorise the airlines' integrated alliance, with final approval anticipated in March or April 2025. This alliance paves the way for Virgin Australia's return to long-haul international services.
Virgin Australia is now awaiting a decision from the International Air Services Commission (IASC) on an uncontested allocation of air rights for services between Australia and Qatar, set to commence in June.
Bain Capital, Virgin Group, and Queensland Investment Corporation will maintain their shareholdings in Virgin Australia.
Subject to IASC approval, Virgin Australia will resume long-haul services in June 2025, with flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha. Flights from Melbourne to Doha are scheduled to commence in December 2025. These services will be operated using aircraft wet-leased from Qatar Airways. Alongside enhancing competition and exerting downward pressure on international airfares, these flights are expected to significantly benefit the Australian visitor economy, particularly the tourism sector, generating an estimated AU$3 billion in economic value over the next five years.
Following consultation with unions and relevant cabin crew and pilot communities, there has been an overwhelming response to the expressions of interest for secondment opportunities for Virgin Australia pilot and cabin crew with Qatar Airways. This will also provide promotional opportunities for other team members and new hires through the backfilling of seconded staff.
