Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways have announced a new strategic partnership. The new partnership will see the two airlines codeshare on each other’s services, and provide reciprocal frequent flyer benefits.
Velocity has outlined the basic benefits of the partnership. There will be further details provided closer to the start date.
Codeshare
As part of the arrangement, the two airlines are planning to codeshare on each other’s services. As a result, Virgin Australia services will begin carrying a QR flight number. Similarly, Qatar Airways flights will have a VA flight number.
Frequent Flyer benefits
As part of the partnership, Velocity members will be able to earn Points and Status Credits when they fly Qatar Airways. In addition, status benefits will be made available to eligible members. This means that eligible Velocity members will have access to lounges, priority boarding, and increased baggage allowances.
You’ll also be able to use your Velocity Points to book Rewards seats on Qatar Airways. This is expected to be available on all cabins across the Qatar network.
Qatar Privilege Club members will receive benefits when traveling on Virgin Australia services. For example, they will be able to earn and burn Avios on Virgin Australia services. In addition, they will have access to the Virgin Australia lounges.
Thoughts
Sometimes things come from left field. This seems to be one of those things. Having said that, it does seem to be overall a positive thing for Virgin Australia and Velocity.
There is still a great bit of detail to work through. From what we already know, it will give Velocity Frequent Flyer members more opportunities to earn Points and Status Credits when flying internationally.
It’s also good news for Privilege Club members. They will also gain the ability to earn and burn their Avios while traveling on Virgin Australia services.
And for members of both programs, reciprocal lounge access becomes available.