Qatar Airways Group intends to purchase 25% stake in Virgin Australia

Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia further their collaboration

By Mark Reif October 8, 2024

Qatar Airways airplane and people — Virgin Australia

Qatar Airways announced its plan to acquire a 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia, strengthening the two airlines’ partnership. The Middle Eastern carrier will purchase the equity stake from Bain Capital, subject to Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval. The deal comes as Skytrax named Qatar Airways the world’s best airline for the eighth time.

What the deal means for both airlines

Virgin Australia Airbus A320 — Virgin Australia

The increased collaboration between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia will bring benefits like increased competition, additional routes, and economic growth. By increasing competition, the deal gives Australian customers access to lower pricing and more choices. Codesharing between the airlines will unlock more flights to more destinations, letting passengers explore near and far. Lastly, the partnership can drive job and economic growth in Australia’s tourism and aviation industries.

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Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka commented: “This partnership brings the missing piece to Virgin Australia’s longer-term strategy and is a huge vote of confidence in Australian aviation. Importantly, it will further strengthen Virgin Australia’s ability to compete over the long term, which will inevitably translate into more choice and even better value airfares for consumers as well as additional Australian aviation jobs.”

Qatar Airways Group CEO Eng. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are really pleased to be announcing our proposed strategic investment in Virgin Australia today. The alignment of our two airlines is significant, the relationships are deep, and we could not be more proud to bring even more great value and choice to all Australians. The investment further demonstrates our strategic alignment with Virgin Australia and our collective ambition to deliver the best possible service and value to Australian passengers.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

Virgin Atlantic will open a clubhouse lounge in Los Angeles

Virgin brings a new Clubhouse lounge to LAX

LAX Clubhouse Bar Virgin Atlantic

In Q1 2025, Virgin Atlantic will bring its iconic Clubhouse lounge experience to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Besides its signature touches — like a wide-open bar and social area, private spaces, and table-service dining — the lounge will feature L.A.-influenced details, giving patrons a true feel for the West Coast city.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse LAX: Work, relax, and socialize
Ruby Room, Virgin Atlantic LAX Clubhouse Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses are award-winning spaces where travelers can work, play, or prepare for the next leg of their journey. The lounges are the recipient of Newsweek’s “Best Airport Lounge” award and Skytrax World Airline Awards’ 2024 “Best Business Class Lounge in Europe”. The LAX clubhouse continues the tradition while adding unique L.A. flair.

Travel

Turkish Airlines adds route to Sydney, Australia

Turkish Airlines will begin flying to Sydney, Australia

Winglet of Turkish Airlines plane

Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other carrier. The airline’s network grows even more on December 4, 2024, when it adds Sydney, Australia to the mix. Marking the company’s second venture into the continent, the new routes fly four times weekly through Kuala Lumpur, on Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The airline will also add non-stop routes in the future when it receives suitable airplanes.

Turkish Airlines’ Sydney routes are a positive for both countries
Sydney Opera House Matthew de Rivera via Unsplash
Besides bolstering Turkish Airlines’ regional presence, the routes also strengthen ties between Turkey and Australia, helping drive trade, culture exchange, and tourism. Industry and government leaders expressed their optimism regarding the new flights.
About the new addition to global airline’s flight network, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat commented: “We are happy to announce the launch of our Sydney route, which opens another chapter for us in the continent. This new route not only enhances our flight network but also reaffirms our commitment to our presence in Australia as we connect our guests to new opportunities and experiences with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Sydney will also be our first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights when we receive the aircraft capable of making the journey in a single leg.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “I am thrilled that Turkish Airlines is touching down in Sydney for the first time, providing European travellers with direct access to our state’s world-class visitor experiences. The NSW Government has worked closely with Sydney Airport and Turkish Airlines to secure this new service. Sydney is the gateway to Australia and supporting this new route holds enormous potential for the growth of the state’s visitor economy.”
Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton, commented: “This announcement of direct flights marks a significant milestone for travel to Europe, offering passengers seamless access to hundreds of destinations from Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub. We are proud that Turkish Airlines Sydney and NSW for their first non-stop service which is a strong endorsement of everything our city and state has to offer. In the meantime, passengers will get to experience Turkish Airlines’ award-winning service from Sydney to Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur in December 2024.
With more than 15,000 Turkish-born Australians in New South Wales and Türkiye consistently rated as one of the top destinations for Australian travellers, we’re confident this service will be strongly supported. Today’s announcement is also incredibly important for the Sydney and NSW economies and speaks to the impact of international aviation in supporting our visitor economy. We’re looking forward to Turkish Airlines inaugural flight and growing their services in the years to come.”

Travel

British Airways announces record 2025 North American summer schedule

British Airways announces record-breaking 2025 summer schedule

Tail fin of British Airways plane

In summer 2025, British Airways will fly more than ever to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. During peak periods, there will be over 400 direct flights per week, including routes to 26 U.S. cities. Currently, the airline has more flights between the U.S. and the U.K. than anyone else and is the only Europe-based carrier with first-class cabins from London to America (and back).

British Airways 2025: Gear up for summer travel
Miami Beach Jason Briscoe / Unsplash
If you’re looking ahead to summer 2025, you can book now on the British Airways website. There, you’ll find the new routes, whether you’re headed to an F1 race or a rock concert.
The summer schedule additions fly from London Heathrow, and include: