Virgin Australia has entered a new partnership with turboprop operator Link Airways that will allow Virgin to expand its domestic regional network.
Under the deal between the two carriers, Virgin will codeshare on more than 90 services per week operated by Link. This is set to expand Virgin's regional network by 45%, the carrier says.
The 17 Link routes covered by the codeshare include 10 from Brisbane, two from Sydney, three from Melbourne and two from Canberra.
This will boost Virgin’s domestic network to 42 destinations.
Alistair Hartley, Virgin Australia chief strategy and transformation officer, says: “Importantly, the partnership is also set to support regional trade and tourism in destinations like Inverell, Wollongong and Biloela, which are not currently serviced by any other major airline."
Link Airways operates a fleet of 14 turboprops, comprising Saab 340s and Fairchild Metros. It operates routes on Australia’s east coast, primarily between major centers and regional points.