Australia’s competition watchdog has granted draft approval for the proposed partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, including wet-lease plans.
With relatively few third-party MRO providers operating in Australia, the country is looking at ways to bridge gaps in personnel, technology and capability.
The arrival of the first of Virgin Australia’s Embraer E190 E2s in the second half of 2025 will be the latest infusion of small narrowbody jets into the country.
Qatar Airways intends to buy a minority stake in Virgin Australia, and the deal may allow Virgin to return to long-haul flying with wet-leased aircraft.
Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka says that reducing the airline's commitment to the 737-10 will “ensure we have a steady pipeline of aircraft coming in.”
Virgin Australia has selected Embraer’s E190-E2 for fleet replacement and growth in its regional and charter subsidiary Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.
With Regional Express (Rex) filing for voluntary administration, Flight Friday looks at the current state of Australia's larger operators in terms of flights.
Virgin Australia’s decision to halt its Tokyo route underlines weakness in Japanese demand and Virgin’s lack of appetite for long-haul international services.
Virgin Australia plans to discontinue its longest international route between Cairns, Australia, and Tokyo due to slow outbound Japanese travel recovery.
Qatar Airways is reportedly negotiating to buy a significant stake in Virgin Australia, which would further solidify the links between the partner airlines.
