Qatar Airways has received the green light from the Australian Government's Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) for its long-anticipated purchase of a 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia, paving the way for an exciting new era in the aviation industry. The approval, announced by the Federal Treasurer on February 27, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two airlines.

Virgin Australia's chief, Jayne Hrdlicka, expressed her enthusiasm for the deal, describing it as a "huge vote of confidence" in the airline and Australian aviation as a whole. She emphasized that Qatar Airways' investment sets the stage for long-term success and aligns with Virgin Australia's ambitious transformation agenda.

The collaboration between the two carriers is expected to lead to the reintroduction of long-haul international services by Virgin Australia. A codeshare agreement for flights between Doha and various Australian destinations has already been established, awaiting final approval from the International Air Services Commission. This partnership is poised to boost competition on international routes from Australia and drive down airfare prices, benefiting both travelers and the tourism economy.

Additionally, the alliance is set to offer new opportunities for staff members of both airlines. Virgin Australia employees, in particular, are likely to benefit from secondment opportunities with Qatar Airways, presenting exciting prospects for career advancement and skills development within the aviation industry.

The partnership, initiated when Qatar Airways announced its intention to acquire a stake in Virgin Australia in October 2025, underscores the synergies between the two airlines and their shared commitment to delivering exceptional service and expanding global connectivity. As the final regulatory approvals are on track to be secured in the coming months, the collaboration between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia holds promise for an exciting future in aviation.