Etihad Airways has recently announced changes to its partnership with Virgin Australia, with the termination of their codeshare and frequent flyer agreement by mid-2025. This decision means that, from June 1, 2025, passengers will no longer have the option to book Virgin Australia-operated flights through Etihad's channels. However, existing bookings that include a segment operated by Virgin Australia will remain unaffected. Moving forward, Etihad Guest Miles will no longer be earnable on flights operated by Virgin Australia. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to the Australian market, highlighting plans to enhance services to Sydney and Melbourne in the summer of 2025. Etihad assures Australian travelers of an exceptional flying experience, loyalty benefits, and improved global connectivity.

This announcement comes in the wake of Qatar Airways' confirmation of acquiring a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, which will lead to an expansion of the partnership between the two carriers. This strategic move aims to facilitate Virgin Australia's reintroduction to long-haul international routes by mid-2025. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) noted potential impacts on Virgin Australia's existing codeshare agreements should Qatar Airways' proposal be accepted. The application outlines Qatar Airways as Virgin Australia's exclusive partner for interline, codeshare, and loyalty services in the Middle East and Turkey, with restrictions on codesharing with other airlines in certain regions.

Virgin Australia's submission to the ACCC further emphasized adjustments to their codeshare arrangements with Singapore Airlines, limiting the partnership to flights to and from Asia only. The EMEA codeshare destinations, covering Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, are set to be removed. Nevertheless, this modification will not affect the benefits for frequent flyers with the Singaporean carrier. Stay tuned for more updates on these evolving aviation industry dynamics on Pilotcenter.net News!