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Virgin Australia requests quick decision on Qatar Airways partnership
October 23rd 2024
Virgin Australia (VA) has asked Australia's competition regulator to issue an interim determination of its application to establish a deeper partnership with Qatar Airways by November. Read More » The Australian international carrier is seeking Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approval to enter into wet lease agreements with the Gulf-based carrier and begin flying between Australia and Doha in time for the 2025 peak northern hemisphere summer travel season. “Passengers generally purchase long-haul flights well in advance, so a minimum of six months is required before the launch of services to maximise marketing and sales opportunities and make those first flights financially sustainable,” VA said in its submission to the ACCC. “If the applicants cannot commence flying by June 2025, it will not be financially viable to launch the first flight until December 2025 to coincide with the high-demand mid-December to mid-January peak of 2025-2026,” VA said.
