Qatar and Virgin Australia enter partnership allowing long-haul VA flights

Just over a month ago, Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways entered into an agreement for a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. This agreement will have a big impact on Virgin's future, including an unexpected return from five years ago.

“This agreement in which we’ve entered into with Qatar Airways is a real game changer for the Airline” - Virgin Australia CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka.

A Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER departing | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren

In October of 2024, Virgin Australia entered a partnership with Qatar Airways. This new partnership allows seamless connections for anyone flying on a Qatar Airways flight down under and provides a mutually beneficial experience for its customers. However, the biggest benefit that Virgin has gained from this partnership is the ability to relaunch Long-Haul international flights.

As part of their agreement, Qatar Airways will be leasing two of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to Virgin to operate Doha to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Customers will have the benefit if they fly with Virgin to Doha of having the opportunity to fly to one of Qatar's 100+ destinations for a reduced price.

Flights are set to go on sale within the next few weeks, with the first long-haul Virgin Australia flight to take place in mid-2025.

A now retired Virgin Australia Boeing 777-300ER taking off | Photo: Damien Aiello

Historically Virgin Australia operated 5 Boeing 777-300ERs on the Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Los Angeles route from 2011 until the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Assisting with these operations were 8 Airbus A330-200s.

In a twist of fate VH-VPH which was the last 777-300ER to leave the fleet,  currently flies for Qatar Airways and it’s fully possible for her to fly once more under the Virgin Australia brand.