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Virgin Australia Launches ‘Extra Comfort, Zero Imitation’ Sale With Economy X Upgrades From Just $15
Virgin Australia has kicked off February with a major win for travellers, unveiling a nationwide sale on its popular Economy X seating—offering upgrades from just $15 per person, per sector. The month-long promotion reinforces the airline’s position as the original leader in extra‑legroom Economy travel, delivering more comfort, more space and more perks without the premium price tag. Travellers can explore Virgin Australia’s network and book flights at Virgin Australia. Extra Comfort, More Space and Priority Perks Launched in 2017, Economy X has long set the benchmark for elevated Economy travel in Australia. The upgrade includes: Up to 40% more legroom Priority boarding Preferred overhead locker space A more spacious, comfortable cabin experience While other airlines are only now introducing similar offerings, Virgin Australia continues to lead with value, innovation and customer‑focused design. Sale Highlights: Economy X From $15 The “Extra Comfort, Zero Imitation” sale runs until 11.59pm AEST on 3 March 2026, making premium extra‑legroom seating more accessible than ever. One‑way upgrades start from just $15, with dozens of popular domestic routes included. Examples of $15 upgrade routes (per person, per sector): Sydney ↔ Hamilton Island Sydney ↔ Melbourne Brisbane ↔ Melbourne Sydney ↔ Brisbane Canberra ↔ Gold Coast Brisbane ↔ Cairns Sydney ↔ Gold Coast Brisbane ↔ Adelaide Melbourne ↔ Hobart Examples of $23 upgrade routes: Melbourne ↔ Perth Sydney ↔ Perth Adelaide ↔ Cairns Brisbane ↔ Uluru Melbourne ↔ Darwin Perth ↔ Broome Sydney ↔ Cairns With such broad coverage, travellers can enjoy extra comfort whether flying short‑haul or crossing the country. A Legacy of Innovation A Virgin Australia spokesperson highlighted the airline’s long‑standing commitment to offering more choice and better value: “Australians want choice, value and a better experience in the air; Economy X has been delivering exactly that for years.” Virgin Australia has consistently led the market with first‑to‑Australia innovations, including: Online check‑in Pets in Cabin flights on eligible domestic routes Baggage tracking technology Economy X remains one of the airline’s most popular enhancements, offering premium comfort without the premium price tag. Year‑Round Value Even outside the sale period, Economy X upgrades start from $15 domestically and $58 on short‑haul international flights, making it one of the best‑value extra‑legroom products in the region. Conclusion Virgin Australia’s Economy X sale delivers exceptional value for travellers seeking more comfort, more space and a smoother journey. With upgrades from just $15 and a long list of included perks, the airline continues to prove why it remains the leader in extra‑legroom Economy travel across Australia.
Virgin Australia Launches First International Flights from Canberra with New Bali Route
Virgin Australia is set to make history in 2026, launching its first‑ever international service from Canberra with new direct flights to Bali starting 22 June 2026. The move will see the airline become the only Australia‑based carrier operating international flights out of the nation’s capital – and the only airline flying the Canberra–Bali route. Canberra Gets Its First Virgin Australia International Route From June 2026, Virgin Australia will connect Canberra directly with Denpasar, Bali, adding more than 40,000 seats each year between the ACT and Australia’s favourite overseas holiday hotspot. The route will operate seasonally from April to January with three return services per week, with scope to increase frequencies during peak school holiday and winter escape periods. Flights are on sale from 10am AEDT with return fares starting from $399 in Economy Lite, $499 in Economy Choice and $1,449 in Business, giving Canberrans a competitively priced, time‑saving alternative to driving to Sydney or connecting via other cities. Convenient Schedule Designed for Holidaymakers The new service has been structured around maximising holiday time in both directions. Services will depart Canberra in the afternoon, allowing travellers to work a half‑day or connect seamlessly from regional flights before boarding. Return flights will operate overnight from Bali, giving guests a final full day on the island before arriving back in the capital the following morning. This schedule is designed to appeal to families, couples and long‑weekend escapees looking to make the most of limited annual leave, while also suiting government and business travellers who need efficient access to Indonesia. What to Expect Onboard: 737 Comfort and Choice Virgin Australia will operate Boeing 737‑800 aircraft on the Canberra–Bali route, offering three seating choices: Business, Economy and Economy X. Economy X delivers extra legroom plus priority boarding, giving leisure travellers a more comfortable option on the six‑plus‑hour flight without stepping up to Business. Onboard, guests can expect Virgin Australia’s relaxed, friendly service, a buy‑on‑board food and beverage offering, and the ability to earn and redeem Velocity Frequent Flyer points and Status Credits on the new route. A Major Win for Canberra’s Connectivity This new route is a significant win for the ACT and a major milestone in Virgin Australia’s broader network expansion, marking the first time the airline has operated international flights from the nation’s capital and firmly positioning Canberra as more than just a domestic hub. Bali remains one of Australia’s most popular overseas holiday destinations, with strong, long-standing demand from Canberra and the surrounding region, and the new flights launch alongside an upgrade of Virgin Australia’s Brisbane–Canberra services from Alliance-operated F100 jets to Virgin’s own 737s, further boosting capacity into the capital. Part of a Growing Australia–Bali Network The Canberra–Bali flights will complement Virgin Australia’s existing direct Bali services from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, creating a broader network of options for Australian travellers heading to Indonesia. Same-day domestic connections into and out of Canberra will also make it easier for travellers from other cities to route via the capital if it offers better timings or fares. With Indonesia now rivalling New Zealand as one of Australia’s top overseas destinations and Virgin Australia already carrying more than half a million guests a year between Australia and Bali, the new Canberra route arrives at a time of record demand. For Canberrans and regional travellers alike, Bali just became a whole lot closer.
Qantas and Virgin Australia Named Among World’s Safest Airlines for 2026
Australia’s two major carriers, Qantas and Virgin Australia, have been ranked among the world’s safest airlines for 2026 in the latest AirlineRatings.com global safety index. In a strong showing for Australian aviation, Qantas placed third and Virgin Australia ninth in the Top 25 list of full-service airlines, reinforcing both brands’ reputations for safety, training and operational reliability. Etihad Tops 2026 Global Airline Safety Rankings For the first time, a Gulf carrier has taken out the top spot in AirlineRatings.com’s annual safety rankings, with Etihad Airways named the world’s safest full-service airline for 2026. The Abu Dhabi-based airline was recognised for its young fleet, crash-free history, cockpit safety advancements (particularly around turbulence) and the lowest incident rate per flight of any carrier on the list. Cathay Pacific secured second place, followed by Qantas in third, Qatar Airways in fourth and Emirates in fifth, all drawn from an assessment pool of 320 airlines worldwide. The rankings weigh factors such as incident rates, fleet age, serious safety events, pilot training, and compliance with international safety audits. Qantas and Virgin Australia in the Top 10 Qantas once again features prominently, taking third place among full-service airlines and maintaining its long-standing position as one of the world’s safest carriers. Virgin Australia also earned a coveted Top 10 position, ranking ninth and underlining the strength of Australian safety standards across both international and domestic operations. Alongside Qantas and Virgin Australia, the full-service Top 10 for 2026 includes Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air and Korean Air, creating a tightly packed field of global leaders. AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen notes that the performance gap at the top is now so narrow that small numerical differences should not be over-interpreted. How AirlineRatings.com Measures Airline Safety AirlineRatings.com evaluates 320 airlines each year, using a multi-factor methodology that includes: Incident rates per number of flights, adjusted for scale of operations. Serious accidents and safety events over recent years. Fleet age and aircraft maintenance profile. Pilot training practices and internal safety culture. Results from international safety and IOSA audits. For the 2026 report, the index places greater emphasis on turbulence prevention and cockpit safety measures, reflecting the fact that turbulence remains the leading cause of in-flight injuries. Despite every airline on the list experiencing some incidents—from tail strikes to engine shutdowns—the incident rate per flight across the Top 25 sits between just 0.002 and 0.09, which Petersen calls a “true credit to the industry as a whole.” Safest Low-Cost Airlines: HK Express, Jetstar and Scoot In the low-cost category, Hong Kong-based HK Express has been named the world’s safest budget airline for 2026, retaining its top position for a second time. Jetstar Airways, part of the Qantas Group, ranked second, giving Australia another strong result, while Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines, placed third. HK Express was praised for its modern fleet, exceptionally low incident rate and near-flawless onboard safety audits—particularly noteworthy given Hong Kong’s very strict incident reporting requirements. Other low-cost names in the Top 10 include flydubai, EasyJet Group, Southwest, airBaltic, VietJet Air, Wizz Air Group and AirAsia Group. Why These Rankings Matter for Travellers For travellers comparing airlines on busy routes across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, the 2026 AirlineRatings.com list offers an independent snapshot of global safety leaders. However, Petersen stresses that all airlines in the Top 25 full-service and low-cost lists are considered world-class in safety terms, and that claims one is “significantly safer” than another within these groups are more sensationalist than factual. For Australian flyers, the results reinforce that choosing Qantas, Virgin Australia or Jetstar means flying with carriers recognised at the very top of global safety benchmarking—complementing their recent rankings among the most punctual airlines in the Asia-Pacific region.
Virgin Australia and Qantas Ban Portable Power Banks: Here is what you need to know
Starting from December 2025, major Australian airlines Virgin Australia and Qantas will implement stricter rules on the use of portable power banks amid growing safety concerns over lithium battery incidents. This move follows a string of international events, including a fire caused by a power bank onboard a Virgin Australia flight in July 2025. From 1 December, Virgin Australia passengers must keep their power banks within sight and easily accessible at all times during flights. The use or charging of power banks onboard will be prohibited, and travellers will be limited to carrying only two units. Any power banks exceeding 100 watt-hours will require airline approval. Qantas, along with QantasLink and Jetstar, will enforce similar rules starting 15 December. Passengers will be allowed to carry up to two power banks under 160 watt-hours each, which must be carried exclusively in cabin baggage. Power banks remain banned from checked luggage on both airlines. These changes align with international safety standards to reduce the risks posed by lithium batteries on aircraft. Virgin Australia’s Chief Operations Officer, Chris Snook, emphasised that as more lithium battery-powered devices are carried by travellers globally, these updated measures will help minimise potential safety risks. Experts highlight that while battery fires are unlikely to jeopardise an aircraft’s safety directly, they can cause significant damage and operational disruptions, including costly diversions. Airlines are motivated not only by safety but also by liability concerns and the potential costs of passenger injury claims. Passengers can still use in-seat power outlets to charge devices, but the new restrictions on portable chargers aim to enhance overall flight safety. For travellers, adjusting to the new rules may require some planning. FCM Travel’s General Manager ANZ, Renos Rologas, advises business travellers and others who depend heavily on charging devices to be aware of these changes and to adapt strategies accordingly. Some helpful tips include: Fully charge your devices before boarding. Utilise airport charging stations while waiting for flights. Bring compatible charging cables for onboard USB ports. Prefer tablets over laptops for easier in-flight charging. Use in-flight entertainment systems to save device battery. Purchase certified power banks from reputable manufacturers. Always carry power banks in hand luggage, never in checked bags. For detailed, airline-specific policy updates, passengers should consult Virgin Australia’s official website and Qantas’ official website. These safety measures ensure clearer guidance across airlines and aim to protect all travellers from the risks associated with lithium battery-powered devices.
Velocity Frequent Flyer Enhances Travel Rewards on Virgin Australia’s Long-Haul Flights
Velocity Frequent Flyer is giving Aussie travellers even more reasons to fly Virgin Australia with an exciting array of perks launching for long-haul international flights (VA1–29). Whether you’re chasing the European summer or exploring far-flung destinations, Velocity has made the journey smoother and more rewarding than ever. Elevating Travel Benefits for Members Following the tripling of Reward Seats for Velocity members on flights between Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne to Doha through February 2026, Velocity has rolled out additional benefits for passengers heading to the Qatari capital on Virgin Australia’s long-haul services. Leading the charge is an Australian airline-first perk: Velocity members, including children, can enjoy a USD$20 “Dine on Us” voucher to spend at Hamad International Airport, recently named the World’s Best Airport at the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Simply add your Velocity Frequent Flyer number to your booking before check-in to enjoy this delicious offer. Perks Across All Membership Tiers Velocity members across every tier can take advantage of several great benefits: Business Upgrades: Starting 1 July 2025, all Velocity members can use Points to request upgrades from Economy Flex fares to Business Class on Virgin Australia’s long-haul flights, up to 24 hours before departure. Gold and Platinum members can enjoy upgrades from both Flex and Choice fares, giving access to Qatar Airways’ world-class Qsuite Business Class. Advance Seat Selection: Gold and Platinum members can reserve Preferred and Extra Legroom seats for themselves and up to eight guests on the same booking, free of charge. Red and Silver members receive discounts of 10% and 20%, respectively, on seat selection for Economy Choice and Economy Reward fares. Family Pooling: Combine Points and Status Credits with up to five family members living at the same address. A family of four flying Economy Flex fares from Sydney to Paris via Doha could earn 86,000+ Points and 1,120+ Status Credits, fast-tracking rewards. Exclusive Benefits for Gold & Platinum Members Gold and Platinum Velocity members will also enjoy further perks when travelling with Virgin Australia to Doha: Lounge Access: Complimentary access to Qatar Airways lounges, as well as partner lounges. Additional Checked Baggage Allowance: Extra baggage privileges, depending on the fare type and route. Priority Baggage, Check-in, and Boarding: Fast-track the airport experience with priority services, including access to Business Class counters when flying Qatar Airways-operated services. Enhanced Onboard Comfort and Connectivity Virgin Australia’s long-haul flights promise industry-leading comfort, featuring one of the widest Economy seats available and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Qsuite Business Class. Guests can enjoy seamless connectivity with complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, powered by advanced satellite technology, keeping them connected throughout their journey. A Travel Experience That Delivers Value Nick Rohrlach, CEO of Velocity Frequent Flyer, emphasises the program’s focus on meaningful and personalised rewards: “We know our members value great rewards when they fly, and our expanded benefits on these new services to Doha deliver exactly that—more upgrade options, more perks, and a better travel experience. From complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi to Business Class upgrades with Points and a USD$20 dining voucher, we’re delivering value to recognise their loyalty and choosing to fly with us.” Launching New Routes Virgin Australia’s new long-haul international flights to Doha will launch from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth in June 2025, followed by Melbourne in December 2025. These routes offer an incredible opportunity for Aussie travellers to experience Velocity’s expanded suite of rewards. For more information or to book, visit virginaustralia.com.
Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia receive final go-ahead from the ACCC
Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia have received final go-ahead from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for the airlines’ integrated alliance. This final determination officially signals the green light for Virgin Australia’s new 28 weekly flights between Australia and Doha – operated under a wet-lease with Qatar Airways – to proceed. The ACCC’s authorisation of Qatar Airways’ partnership with Virgin Australia gives the Australian carrier access to the scale and expertise of a world-leading global airline and facilitates its re-entry into long-haul international flying. This will drive increased competition in the market while delivering greater choice and value for Australian passengers. Utilising aircraft wet-leased from Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia is set to commence long-haul flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha from June 2025, followed by Melbourne to Doha in December 2025. Through the award-winning Hamad International Airport in Doha, the flights open up more than 100 connecting itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and enable Australian passengers to benefit from a host of increased loyalty earn and redemption opportunities for Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club and Velocity members. In addition to this, the flights will provide a significant boost to the Australian visitor and tourism economy, generating an estimated AUD$3 billion in economic value over the next five years. The collaboration arrangement will also support jobs growth, both in Virgin Australia and across the broader aviation and tourism sectors in Australia, with Qatar Airways set to provide secondment opportunities for 20 Virgin Australia pilots and 40 cabin crew in 2025. Another important area of focus for the partnership is sustainability, which includes the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel initiatives. This follows the Australian Government’s approval of Qatar Airways Group’s 25 per cent investment in Virgin Australia on 27 February 2025 – joining existing majority shareholder Bain Capital. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “Today’s announcement by the ACCC sends a clear signal of the appetite that exists for delivering competition, world-class service and value to Australian passengers. “It also marks the start of a new chapter in the relationship between our two airlines, and I would like to thank our Virgin Australia colleagues and valued stakeholders for their tireless dedication to our shared ambition to create healthy competition within the local aviation market, as well as our collective commitment to supporting Australian businesses, Australian jobs and the wider economy.” Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dave Emerson said: "This is a defining moment for Virgin Australia and the Australian aviation landscape. The ACCC’s final approval of our deeper strategic partnership with Qatar Airways marks the start of a new chapter for our airline and a world of opportunities for our people and customers. “Already, we are seeing some of the positive benefits of the partnership, including increased sale activity on airfares between Australia and Europe, the Middle East and Africa thanks to increased competition. “We are pleased to welcome Qatar Airways as not just a strategic partner, but a part owner in Virgin Australia. This reflects a huge vote of confidence from a leading global airline in our business and in Australian aviation more broadly.” Bain Capital Partner, Mike Murphy said: “This important milestone allows the airlines to harness their collective strength and unlock new areas of cooperation for the benefit of Australian consumers. We are delighted to officially welcome Qatar Airways Group as a minority investor in Virgin Australia.” In October 2024, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a range of sustainability initiatives, including aims to advance the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), environmental management including waste and energy management, sustainable procurement, and aviation workforce development.
Virgin Australia Leads Major Airlines in On-Time Performance
Virgin Australia has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in aviation, leading the country’s major airlines in both on-time performance (OTP) and the completion of scheduled flights. According to January data released by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), the airline completed 99.2 per cent of scheduled domestic flights and achieved a departure OTP rate of 78 per cent, outpacing its competitors. Outstanding Reliability and Performance Virgin Australia’s completion rate significantly surpasses the long-term average for Australian domestic carriers of 97.8 per cent, and the airline is rapidly approaching the OTP long-term average of 80.7 per cent. Chief Operations Officer, Stuart Aggs, attributes this success to the dedication and hard work of the airline’s team, particularly during the busy holiday period. “Reliability is incredibly important to our guests, especially when they are travelling to see family and friends,” said Mr Aggs. “We call it SPOT – safely performing on time – and it is a responsibility our team takes very seriously. It’s great to see their efforts paying off.” Strategies for Success In addition to improving on-time performance, Virgin Australia has maintained consistently high completion rates, with more than 99 per cent of scheduled domestic flights operating in December and January, despite the challenges posed by summer storms. The airline has implemented a range of measures, including additional aircraft on standby and more team members on reserve, to manage disruptions and minimise their impact on guests’ travel plans. “Our strong performance has continued into February, with departure OTP around 80 per cent for the month to date,” Mr Aggs added. “This is great news for our corporate and SME customers who are travelling again following the summer break.” Exceptional Holiday Travel Performance The airline’s performance in December and January marked its best results in the past two years, with more than 3.8 million passengers flying with Virgin Australia during this period. This achievement underscores the airline’s dedication to providing a reliable and enjoyable travel experience for its guests. Virgin Australia’s efforts to re-accommodate Rex customers free of charge following the airline’s suspension of jet operations in July 2024 have also contributed to this success. Over 135,000 Rex customers have been rebooked on Virgin Australia services, with more than 130,000 of them already having travelled. As Virgin Australia continues to lead the way in on-time performance and flight completion, travellers can look forward to a consistently reliable and high-quality travel experience with the airline.
ATIA lauds government approval of Qatar Airways’ stake in Virgin Australia
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) welcomed the Federal Government’s approval of Qatar Airways’ 25 percent stake in Virgin Australia. Association officials pointed out that this will enhance airline competition and create new opportunities for Australian travel agents and advisors. The increased competition on international routes means more reasons for travellers to use travel agencies and advisors to secure the best value flights, particularly for long-haul travel to Europe. With more airline options, travellers rely on expert advice to navigate the best routes, pricing and benefits. An advantageous situation ATIA chief executive Dean Long remarked that the acquisition is great news for Australians who want more choice and more competitive fares when travelling internationally, with greater choices on flights to Europe. Long said: “More competition in the skies drives innovation, better pricing and improved services for travellers. It also increases the potential for greater investment to drive domestic competition. It’s a decision which will bring long-term benefits to Australian travellers and the broader travel industry.” The ATIA CEO added that the decision strengthens the role of travel agents and advisors in delivering value to consumers. For agencies, on the other hand, greater competition means more reasons for travellers to use agencies and their travel advisors to find the best value. With regard to the association’s land supply members, greater competition and more competitive fares free up more of the budget for travellers to spend more on experiencing destinations through touring. Long concluded by saying: “With greater competition comes greater negotiation power for travel agents and advisors to drive greater commercial outcomes.”
Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways Alliance Gains ACCC’s Preliminary Approval
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its intention to approve a cooperative alliance between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways for a five-year period. Although final regulatory approvals are still pending, the competition watchdog’s proposal to authorise this strategic partnership is a promising development for air travellers. Enhanced Connectivity and Competition The proposed alliance will see Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways collaborate on 28 new weekly return services between Doha and four Australian cities: Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. According to the ACCC, this partnership is expected to boost competition, enhance connectivity, and provide passengers with more choices. Under the agreement, Virgin Australia would operate the new services using Qatar Airways’ aircraft and crew under a ‘wet lease’ arrangement. Public Benefits ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey highlighted the potential benefits of the cooperative conduct: “We consider that the proposed cooperative conduct would likely result in several public benefits including providing enhanced products and services for air travellers, which would include increased choice of international flights, with additional connectivity, convenience, and loyalty program benefits for consumers.” Interim Authorization and Marketing The airlines have already begun marketing and selling the new Australia-Doha routes under an interim authorization granted by the ACCC in November last year. Should the final regulatory approvals not be granted, both airlines have agreed to offer refunds or re-accommodation at no extra charge. Workforce Concerns While some stakeholders have raised concerns about the impact on Australian workforce laws, particularly the use of Qatar-based crew, the ACCC believes the proposed alliance would not significantly harm the Australian aviation workforce. Commissioner Brakey noted, “We consider that Virgin Australia is unlikely to commence operating long-haul international services between Australia and the Middle East on a stand-alone basis in the next five years.” Loyalty Program Benefits Under the proposed deal, Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer members would continue to earn and redeem points on Singapore Airlines flights worldwide, with existing partnerships with South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic remaining unchanged. Public Feedback and Final Decision The ACCC is now seeking public feedback on its draft determination, with submissions due by 7 March 2025, before making its final decision. This potential alliance between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways marks an exciting chapter in international air travel, promising enhanced services, greater connectivity, and improved options for passengers travelling between Australia and the Middle East.
Air India and Virgin Australia Partner to Make Travel Between Australia and India Easier
Travelling between Australia and India just got a whole lot easier, thanks to a new codeshare agreement between Air India and Virgin Australia. This exciting partnership is set to boost two-way tourism and facilitate VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travel, offering seamless connections and enhanced travel experiences. A Seamless Travel Experience Under this unilateral partnership, Virgin Australia will place its VA code on Air India-operated flights, allowing seamless connections from Melbourne and Sydney to Delhi, and onwards to various destinations within India and beyond. Conversely, Air India can place its ‘AI’ code on Virgin Australia services, enabling onward travel to 16 destinations across Australia and New Zealand. These destinations include Adelaide, Ballina/Byron Bay, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Queenstown (New Zealand), Sunshine Coast, and Sydney. Convenience and Efficiency One of the standout benefits of this codeshare agreement is that passengers travelling on a single ticket will have their baggage checked through to their final destination in both directions. This means no more re-checking bags during layovers, offering a hassle-free travel experience that every traveller will appreciate. First Codeshare Flights Commence The first codeshare flights commence today, February 18, 2025. Air India currently operates 14 non-stop weekly flights between Delhi and Australia using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features 18 flat-bed business class seats and 238 economy seats. A Growing Tourism Market Alistair Hartley, Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “We are pleased to partner with Air India to make it easier for their customers to explore everything Australia has to offer. India is a growing tourism market for Australia, and this partnership will encourage travellers arriving on one of Air India’s 14 weekly flights to explore more of our wonderful country thanks to seamless onward connections on the Virgin Australia network.” Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, echoed these sentiments, describing Australia as “one of Air India’s most important international markets.” He added, “So it is incredibly exciting for us to be partnering with Virgin Australia to expand our presence in the region. This partnership provides greater ease and access for the large Indian diaspora spread across the continent and opens up a whole new range of destinations for holidaymakers wanting to soak up the beaches of Gold Coast, discover Tasmania or explore the natural wonders of The Great Barrier Reef.” Looking Ahead As this new codeshare agreement takes off, it promises to enhance the travel experience for passengers flying between Australia and India. With seamless connections, hassle-free baggage handling, and access to a wide range of destinations, travellers can look forward to exploring the best of both countries with ease. This partnership marks an exciting chapter for Air India and Virgin Australia, bringing new opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange between these two vibrant regions.
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