The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) extended appreciative comments regarding Qatar Airways’ impending investment into Virgin Australia.
Association officials remarked that, if approved, Qatar Airways’s investment in Virgin Australia will translate into a more competitive Australian aviation sector, as well as improved connectivity for Australian passengers.
Qatar Airways’ proposed acquisition of a 25 percent minority stake from Bain Capital is subject to approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
If approved, it’s expected to enable the launch of flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney to Doha, meaning more connectivity on itineraries to Europe and other key destinations from 2025.
A boon for Australian passengers
According to ATIA’s acting chief executive Ingrid Fraser this investment will lead to the creation of over 100 new connecting itineraries to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This will ultimately mean more travel options and more competition in the air, all of which will prove a boon for travellers.
Fraser said: “We expect the planes to take to the sky from mid-2025. While the Government must carry out the necessary checks, we urge them to do so expediently to ensure that any benefits of increased competition and connectivity are realised as soon as possible.”
She added that such investments are a strong sign of confidence in the recovery and future growth of the Australian travel sector. Fraser likewise expressed optimism that this will provide Virgin Australia with a runway towards long-term sustainable ownership and an anticipated return to public listing.
