Qatar Airways' stake in Virgin Australia to provide 'immense benefit' to customers, businesses: CEO
Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, commenting on the Australian Government's approval of the company's 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia, stated (27-Feb-2025) Qatar Airways is "confident in our ability to deliver an alliance between our two airlines that will provide immense benefit to customers, Australian businesses, Australian jobs and the wider economy". [more - original PR]
Background ✨
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) proposed to authorise a cooperative alliance between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways for five years, enhancing public benefits like increased flight choices and connectivity1. The ACCC's draft determination to authorise the partnership was welcomed by the Australian Airport Association, highlighting its potential to boost airline competition and capacity2. Virgin Australia's application to the International Air Services Commission for service capacity to Qatar was uncontested, with interim ACCC approval allowing flight sales to begin3.